Jassem Al-Kharafi
Jassem Al-Kharafi | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1940 Kuwait City, Kuwait |
| Died | 2015-05-21 |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, politician |
| Years active | 1975–2012 |
| Known for | Speaker of the National Assembly of Kuwait (1999–2011) |
Jassem Al-Kharafi (; 1940 – May 21, 2015) was a distinguished Kuwaiti businessman and politician who held the position of speaker for the National Assembly of Kuwait from 1999 until 2011. In his capacity as Speaker in 2006, he was instrumental in facilitating the rise of Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to the emirate by orchestrating a successful no-confidence motion against the then-reigning emir, Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah. Throughout Sheikh Sabah’s tenure, the family enterprise, M.A. Kharafi & Sons, maintained a commanding presence within Kuwait’s economy, dominating industries such as telecommunications, construction, and investment.
Early life and career
Born in Kuwait City in 1940, Jassem al-Kharafi was the son of Mohammed Abdulmohsen al-Kharafi, who established M. A. Kharafi & Sons. He pursued Business Administration studies at the Manchester Trade Faculty located in Kuwait and later took on the role of director at M. A. Kharafi & Sons. His political career began with his election to the National Assembly in 1975. From 1985 to 1990, he served as Kuwait’s Minister of Finance.
Perspectives on Iran
On July 13, 2008, Al-Kharafi publicly criticized Western nations for provoking tensions with Iran regarding its nuclear ambitions. Speaking on state-run Kuwait TV, he advocated for diplomatic engagement over confrontation and emphasized that Iran should not be treated as if it were a subordinate American territory.
Concerns about Parliamentary Human Rights Committee
On July 1, 2008, Al-Kharafi expressed disapproval of the human rights committee within the assembly for convening with US embassy representatives without his authorization as speaker. The meeting on June 30 focused on Kuwait’s placement in the US State Department’s tier three ranking related to trafficking issues affecting domestic workers and migrant laborers. The committee chairman, Waleed Al-Tabtabai, defended their actions by stating that the embassy requested the meeting and that it was conducted within their jurisdiction.
During this session, US embassy officials reportedly refused to address questions regarding the freezing of assets linked to the Revival of Islamic Heritage Society.
Response to Israeli military actions in Lebanon
In July 2006, Al-Kharafi issued a strong denunciation of Israel’s military strikes on Lebanon, cautioning that such hostilities risked radicalizing individuals and "turning us all into terrorists."
Speaker of Kuwaiti National Assembly
Al-Kharafi was first elected as Speaker of the National Assembly in 1999 and held this position through five consecutive terms—the longest period any individual has served in this role in Kuwait—before choosing not to participate in the 2012 elections.
Family
His brother, Nasser, managed M. A. Kharafi & Sons and was recognized by Forbes as one of the world’s wealthiest people. Their sister, Faiza, held the position of rector at Kuwait University. On October 7, 2011, Jassem Al-Kharafi received an Honoris Causa degree from the University of Tirana.
- Profile of Kharafi in parliament
- Interview from 2003
- "We Appreciate the U.S. for Kuwait's Liberation but Find American Attitudes Patronizing" broadcast on Al-Majd TV, 21 January 2007