W hen placed next to each other, the words Arab and press can bring to mind harsh images of snarling government censors, bruised journalists and government spokesmen spouting propaganda. Such is not the case for the oil-rich emirate of Kuwait.
The tiny Gulf state has the freest press in the Arab world, ranking above all other Arab states, including liberal Lebanon, expat haven the United Arab Emirates and close US ally Jordan on the Reporters Without Borders 2008 press freedom index.
Locals attribute Kuwait's unique press environment to the country's long tradition of self-governance. "If you look at the history of the development of Kuwait, we have no coup d'états , no military takeovers. Our ancestors established the practice of choosing the governors of Kuwait," says Dr Mohammad al-Rumahi, editor-in-chief of Awan, a daily. Established in late 2007, Awan is among a group of new dailies that has entered the market after the opening of licensing by the government.
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