For Kuwait's new emir, Saudi ties are seen as key

Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, brother of the late Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah, has been named as Kuwait's new emir. He has spent much of his career in the security and defense apparatus of the Gulf state. Sheikh Meshal is expected to continue key Kuwaiti foreign policies, including support for Gulf Arab unity and good ties to Riyadh. He may also seek to expand ties with China. As emir, he will need to address the strains between the ruling family and parliament, which have hindered reform efforts.