ABSTRACT
From its earliest years Kuwait had mercantile associations with Basra, and relations with the neighbouring Turkish authorities appear to have remained cordial for more than a hundred years after the mission of the first Shaikh Sabah in 1756. Turbulent times, in Arabia at any rate, tend to call forth a leader to meet the challenge of the moment, and this crisis was no exception. Shaikh Muhammad had a younger half-brother named Mubarak, who in character and outlook was the very opposite of the effete ruler. Mubarak had been reared among the bedu; he was physically tough from desert life, proud and independent in spirit, a man capable of quick decisions followed by effective action. Shaikh Mubarak supported the Sauds in their aspirations to regain control of Najd. According to Raunkiaer, Mubarak's authority and control were apparent everywhere in Kuwait; he described the Shaikh as having the power and will to break all opposition, and for this reason public security prevailed.
