1.   The young emir had good timing.

2.   Although Kuwait has the only parliament in the region, the country does not allow political parties and the emir has the right to dissolve the legislature.

3.   Although the emir has ultimate authority in Kuwait and could have disbanded parliament and forced the measure through, he did not.

4.   The constitution can only be changed if two-thirds of deputies agree, but the emir still has the last word.

5.   The emir has the right to impose a state of siege in Bahrain.

6.   The emir has the right to impose a state of siege in Bahrain, diplomats said.