Figure 1.--Here Kuwati boys brandish guns during the independence celebrations (July 1961). Iraq immediately claimed Kuwait, alling it the 'lost 16th province'. The British at Kwaits request sent troops as a protection force..

Britain ended the Kuwaiti protectorate as part of a general decolonization effort (1961). Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah became the Emir. Kuwait became independent, but continued a military relationship with Britain. Iraq upon independence immediately threatened occupy Kuwait, calling it the 'lost 16th Province'. The British at Kuwait's request sent troops to defend the country. Soon after, the Arab League sent in troops to replace the British. Iraq dropped its claim when the Arab League recognized Kuwaiti independence (July 20, 1961). The newly drafted constitution provided for the first parliamentary elections in 1963. Kuwait became a full mmber of the United Nations (1963). With independence, Kuwait pursued a neutral policy and attempted to mediate disputes between its larger regional neighbors. Kuwait with its oil wealth it became an important foreign aid donor. The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development provides aid throughout the Arab world and non-Arab countries as well. Emir Abdullah died (1965). He was so respected that his aesscension date was made the national day. The new Emir suspended the National Assembly (parliament), mintaining it was not acting in the country's interests (1976). Kuwait helped form the Gulf Cooperation Council through which the member states cooperate on regional security, stability, and progress. With the outbreak of the Iran-Iraq war (1980), Sunni Kuwait supports Sunni controlled Iraq strategically and financially against Shi'ia Iran (1980). Saddam bankrupts Iraq and conplains that Kuwait and tthe Saudis are not ptoviding adequate support.