Kuwait: Desert Democracy

The Kuwaitis have had about the same difficulty adapting to elections as some of them have had in switching from camels to cars; the country has one of the world's highest traffic-accident rates. Last week, the tiny Persian Gulf sheikdom, whose fabled oil brings it some $750,000,000 in annual royalties, held the second parliamentary election in its history. Everyone knew that Kuwait was ruled by Sheik Sabah Al-Salim Al-Sabah, 51, who became the Amir when his brother died a little over a year ago. Nevertheless, there was plenty of politicking for seats in...