An unusual sequel to the headlines of President Rouhani’s successful “engagement” with the visit of the Emir of Kuwait, Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, to Iran this week….
Kuwaitis have been discussing whether the 84-year-old Emir, a former Foreign Minister may have imbibed on the flight to Tehran, whether he was a bit unwell, or whether he was suffering the effects of age. The reason? This video of a “twirling” al-Sabah, appearing rather confused, being welcomed by Rouhani:
Understandably, Kuwaiti State media offered no hint that anything was out of the diplomatic ordinary. Nor did Iranian outlets, keen to promote Iranian-Kuwaiti relations as the Emir met the President and the Supreme Leader:
The chatter may also be fueled by disquiet: some in the Gulf States are unhappy that the Emir referred to the Supreme Leader, a Shi’a, as the leader of all Muslims.
See Iran Daily, June 3: Kuwait’s Emir — Khamenei “Guide and Leader of All the Region’s Countries”
A composed and non-twirling Emir being received in London in November 2012: