In 1991 Iraqi troops destroyed nearly 80% of Kuwait's oilfields. Now, with the international spotlight back on Saddam Hussein, stability in the region is once again threatened. This production takes both to the streets and corridors of power to examine how Kuwait has progressed in the last decade.

In the film, Deputy Premier Sheikh al-Sabah says that the liberation of Kuwait brought the country closer to the West. It is now trying to model itself along democratic lines, but deeply entrenched traditions often conflict with the drive for modernity. This portrait of modern day Kuwait examines the country's progress on several issues: democracy; freedom of the press; commerce and industry; religion; and the effect of immigration from southern Asia which is changing the demography of the country. Regarding the status of women, we learn that women wear make-up and shop in U.S. style malls, but cannot vote or sit in class with male students.

In the wake of 9/11, Kuwait is unnerved by both Islamic factions within the country, and Iraq, her bellicose neighbor to the north. Kuwait welcomes an increased American presence in the area, but there are still doubts as to whether Kuwait can happily marry Western influence with Islamic tradition.

"Recommended." J. Schwartz, Suffolk County Community College, for EMRO