With population increases, the government can no longer pay benefits and subsidies that Kuwaitis claim as their oil-given birthright. Citizens pay no taxes. Medical care is free, whether a flu shot or a heart transplant in Texas. Kuwait University charges no tuition, and even builds shelters where students' drivers can escape the fierce heat while waiting for class to end. Asian embassies discreetly shelter hundreds of women who have fled sexual abuse, beatings or nonpayment of wages.
Some servants kill themselves.
At least, Kuwaitis say, they can complain out loud. Newspaper editorials are harsh, as long as they spare the emir himself. With all the criticism, many hold out hope. Kuwaitis are happy to see a new Bush heading into office, with familiar faces like Colin Powell and Dick Cheney. She made the news during the war as one of nine Kuwaiti women trained to fight in the armed forces.