In its opposition to the two traditional powers, the sheikhs and the merchants, the balancing powers formed a solid political bloc in Kuwait in the mid-1950s. As seen in the previous chapter, their influence, especially that of the Arab Nationalists, almost equalled the power of the merchants. This shift in power was instigated by the support of Gamal ‘Abd al-Nasser, but also the revolution of Iraq in 1958, and the balancing powers’ intellectual links to the greater Arab world. In domestic affairs, the balancing powers’ political influence kept growing after ‘Abd Allah al-Ahmad's death in 1957 and Fahad al-Salim's in 1959. After the death of these two powerful ruling family members, the younger Sheikhs, especially Jabir al-Ahmad and Sa‘ad al-‘Abd Allah, grasped the opportunity to join in the race for rule. During the years leading to the independence in 1961, the balancing powers will have a crucial role, as illustrated by their participation in the Constituent Assembly and their contribution in the drafting of the 1962 Constitution.

The Arab Nationalists’ Involvement in External Affairs

After the 1956 demonstrations, the impact of the intelligentsia on society became evident. As explained in the previous chapter, the issue of education was behind the rise of this group. Another element had been the role played by the Arab expatriates, especially Egyptians and Iraqis. The British categorized the main sources of political power in Kuwait into seven categories: the ruler, the ruling family, the security forces, the merchants, the educated Kuwaitis, the educated expatriates and other potentially influential groups. The efforts of the intelligentsia class did not cease after the repression by the army and the police in 1956, and they continued to oppose British policies in the Middle East by supporting anticolonial forces and Arab interests. According to Miriam Joyce, after the Suez crisis, more than twelve British employees, some of whom held highranking roles in Kuwaiti departments, were discharged from their positions. Al- Khatib explains that the ruler dismissed them because of the public demonstrations. When the ruler met the Committee of Clubs he made it clear that their request to stop oil exports to the United Kingdom and Europe was not in his hands, and that even if he issued a decree ordering the cessation of oil exports immediately, the British authority in Kuwait would force him to withdraw it, which would affect his position as ruler.