Happy Kuwait Independence Day!!!- # 33

First off, I want to appologize for not getting this post up yesterday, my internet was down. That being said, now its time to get to the good stuff....

Yesterday, 26 Feb, marked 16 years since Kuwait was liberated from Iraq by the Coalition Forces in 1991.

A little history for ya:
Modern Kuwait was formed during the course of the 16th century (AD). After being recognized by some Eurpean navigators in the 18th century (AD), it was un-officially established. Kuwait was formed when several clans from Middle Eastern Tribes setteled near what is now Kuwait Bay. These tribes mainly came from Central Arabia (today mainly Saudi Arabia); Northern Arabia (today mainly Syria & Iraq); and Persia (now known as the Islamic Republic of Iran).

By the 18th Century, most local people sold pearls for a living. In the 1930s, pearl diving developed in Japan, deminshing the Kuwaiti market. After WWI, Britain declared Kuwait to be an "independent sheikhdom under British protectorate." In 1953, Kuwait became the largest exporter of oil in the Persian Gulf. The massive growth attracted many immigrant labourers/ foreign workers, thus being the first of the Persian Gulf Arab States to declare independence June 19, 1961. This was challenged by Iraq, but the threat was deterred by the British as they flew troops in. Kuwait was allied with Iraq during the Iraq-Iran War (which ended in 1988). On August 2, 1990, Kuwait was invaded and annexed by Iraq, lead by Saddam Hussein. An American-led coalition of 34 nations fought the Persian Gulf War to remove Saddam's control from Kuwait, which was authorized by the UN Security Council. The fighting lasted 6 weeks. The coalition forced Iraq to withdraw its troops on February 26, 1991. (reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuwait)

(top pic)- Kuwait teenagers celebrate with foam spray!
(above)- A young girl stand out of her fathers sunroof holding a Kuwaiti Flag as her (assumed) brother looks out the window.

(above)- The aftermath..... I looked similer to this guy after getting all my pics!
(below)- Two guys hold up peace signs and silly string cans for the camera. They have their faces covered to avoid a face full of foam/ silly string!