His 2006 ascension in Kuwait, a staunch U.S. ally since the American-led war that expelled occupying Iraqi troops, came after parliament voted unanimously to oust his predecessor.

By Jon Gambrell, Adam Schreck, Associated Press

Women voted and ran for the legislature of Kuwait for the first time in the oil-rich Gulf state's history Thursday, and though no women captured any seats, the election drew unprecedented support for democratic reform from young people and women.

By PBS News Hour