The Lion of the Gulf (an Alternate Kuwait TL)
- Thread starter Alarabi98
- Start date
The Saudi Takeover of the Sanjak of Al Hasa and beginning of Hostilities between Sheikh Salim of Kuwait and Ibn Saud of Najd
Ibn Saud successfully attacked The Ottoman Empire, which lead to capture and annexation of the Sanjak of Al Hasa, which has a large Shia community. The Ibn Saud was a staunch Wahhabist, a radical strain of Islam, so he believed that anyone not believing in their version of Islam is a complete Heretic. The Ottomans could not reclaim the Sanjak as they were already at odds with the British, which virtually protects the Arabian Peninsula, so they left the Peninsula for the rest of the Empire's life span.
The aftermath of the war was brought to the ruler of Kuwait, Sheikh Salim Al Mubarak Al Sabah. The Sheikh was outraged to hear that not only did he now have a new powerful neighbor, but also they have taken the Sanjak of Al Hasa, nullifying the Anglo-Ottoman convention, which Ibn Saud refuses to acknowledge the claims of Kuwait, which is that Kuwait claims all lands south of the country to Manifa. on 1919, Salim wanted to build a commercial city south of the Country, Ibn Saud did not like that so he threatened Salim with war if he ever steps foot in the disputed area. Marking hostilities between the two nations.
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This is the beginning of my ATL for Kuwait. For now it hasn't reached the point of change, but it will get there.
I just want to post this so I can keep it alive, so I hope you will enjoy this TL as I keep going
Ibn Saud successfully attacked The Ottoman Empire, which lead to capture and annexation of the Sanjak of Al Hasa, which has a large Shia community. The Ibn Saud was a staunch Wahhabist, a radical strain of Islam, so he believed that anyone not believing in their version of Islam is a complete Heretic. The Ottomans could not reclaim the Sanjak as they were already at odds with the British, which virtually protects the Arabian Peninsula, so they left the Peninsula for the rest of the Empire's life span.
The aftermath of the war was brought to the ruler of Kuwait, Sheikh Salim Al Mubarak Al Sabah. The Sheikh was outraged to hear that not only did he now have a new powerful neighbor, but also they have taken the Sanjak of Al Hasa, nullifying the Anglo-Ottoman convention, which Ibn Saud refuses to acknowledge the claims of Kuwait, which is that Kuwait claims all lands south of the country to Manifa. on 1919, Salim wanted to build a commercial city south of the Country, Ibn Saud did not like that so he threatened Salim with war if he ever steps foot in the disputed area. Marking hostilities between the two nations.
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This is the beginning of my ATL for Kuwait. For now it hasn't reached the point of change, but it will get there.
I just want to post this so I can keep it alive, so I hope you will enjoy this TL as I keep going
Very good to see an early Kuwait TL here! Should be educational and hopefully interesting too.
I shall keep an eye for updates
I shall keep an eye for updates
The Rise of The Ikhwan and the Beginning of the Kuwait-Najd War (Battle of Hamdh)
(The First Ikhwan Cavalry)
Ibn Saud had plans to takeover the Arabian Peninsula. He hopes to takeover the Hedjaz and gain control of the two holy cities, Mecca and Medina. To do this, he must create a large and strong army to take the Hedjaz and the rest of the Arab Peninsula. He then helped create the Ikhwan, a group of Clerical Warrior, and began raids on all surrounding nations, more specifically the north and Kuwait. The raids into Kuwait infuriated Sheikh Salim and asked the British for assistance, in which they were unable to do as the British Empire was repairing from the Great War.
The Line was crossed when the Ikhwan attempted to build a stronghold south of Kuwait.The Sheikh has lost all patience with Ibn Saud and sent an Army towards the Ikhwan at Hamdh, starting The Kuwait-Najd War. The battle consists of 2,000 Ikhwan Fighters led by Faisal Al-Dawaish, a prominant Ikhwani leader, against 200 Kuwaiti Infantrymen aided by 100 Cavalry. The battle lasted an astonishing 6 days before the Kuwaitis capitulated, The Kuwaitis lasting that long shows the very dedication to defend their homeland. The Kuwaitis retreated to the Red Fort in Jahra. The Ikhwan began their siege of the Fort.
The Kuwaiti position precarious, They were surrounded by Saudi Ikhwan in all direction, the moral was low and some even suggested surrender. The Kuwaitis began praying to their lord and help them in this hard time. Their prayers were answered, Sheikh Salim, hearing of the loss at Hamdh and the siege of the Red Fort in Jahra, sent almost 2000 soldiers to break the siege. The Sheikh of Jabal Shammar lended a few hundred troops to stop the Saudi Incursion. The Ikhwan retreated from Kuwait in disgrace. Victory is given to the people of Kuwait.
Ibn Saud was furious hearing that his plans were foiled and threatened Kuwait with another attack if it doesn't accept annexation into the Saudi State. The British intervened and defended Kuwait against Ibn Saud. Sir Percy Cox suggested a peace treaty to finally resolve the two countries problem. Ibn Saud and Sheikh Salim reluctantly accepted the proposal.
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Hello again guys. As you can see in the last paragraph, Sheikh Salim was invited to the Peace conference, while in the OTL he was not invited and Saudi Arabia got away with the most of Kuwaiti lands.
The Alternate part of this TL will begin next time when I have time
See you guys later, peace.
(The First Ikhwan Cavalry)
Ibn Saud had plans to takeover the Arabian Peninsula. He hopes to takeover the Hedjaz and gain control of the two holy cities, Mecca and Medina. To do this, he must create a large and strong army to take the Hedjaz and the rest of the Arab Peninsula. He then helped create the Ikhwan, a group of Clerical Warrior, and began raids on all surrounding nations, more specifically the north and Kuwait. The raids into Kuwait infuriated Sheikh Salim and asked the British for assistance, in which they were unable to do as the British Empire was repairing from the Great War.
The Line was crossed when the Ikhwan attempted to build a stronghold south of Kuwait.The Sheikh has lost all patience with Ibn Saud and sent an Army towards the Ikhwan at Hamdh, starting The Kuwait-Najd War. The battle consists of 2,000 Ikhwan Fighters led by Faisal Al-Dawaish, a prominant Ikhwani leader, against 200 Kuwaiti Infantrymen aided by 100 Cavalry. The battle lasted an astonishing 6 days before the Kuwaitis capitulated, The Kuwaitis lasting that long shows the very dedication to defend their homeland. The Kuwaitis retreated to the Red Fort in Jahra. The Ikhwan began their siege of the Fort.
The Kuwaiti position precarious, They were surrounded by Saudi Ikhwan in all direction, the moral was low and some even suggested surrender. The Kuwaitis began praying to their lord and help them in this hard time. Their prayers were answered, Sheikh Salim, hearing of the loss at Hamdh and the siege of the Red Fort in Jahra, sent almost 2000 soldiers to break the siege. The Sheikh of Jabal Shammar lended a few hundred troops to stop the Saudi Incursion. The Ikhwan retreated from Kuwait in disgrace. Victory is given to the people of Kuwait.
Ibn Saud was furious hearing that his plans were foiled and threatened Kuwait with another attack if it doesn't accept annexation into the Saudi State. The British intervened and defended Kuwait against Ibn Saud. Sir Percy Cox suggested a peace treaty to finally resolve the two countries problem. Ibn Saud and Sheikh Salim reluctantly accepted the proposal.
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Hello again guys. As you can see in the last paragraph, Sheikh Salim was invited to the Peace conference, while in the OTL he was not invited and Saudi Arabia got away with the most of Kuwaiti lands.
The Alternate part of this TL will begin next time when I have time
See you guys later, peace.
Whats up?
I am wondering, is anyone reading what I write? usually I see TLs with a lot of replies and such. I am not whining, it's just that if a no one is very interested, then I don't know if I could continue this if this is for nothing.
I won't stop for now, but when I write another page and it doesn't get interest I don't know why I should continue.
I am wondering, is anyone reading what I write? usually I see TLs with a lot of replies and such. I am not whining, it's just that if a no one is very interested, then I don't know if I could continue this if this is for nothing.
I won't stop for now, but when I write another page and it doesn't get interest I don't know why I should continue.
I follow it, but not being an expert on that region, I've not much to say.
Still, that's an interesting TL if you gonna screw the house of Saud in favor of a more diverse geopolitical landscape with maybe surviving Rashidi, Hashemite Hejaz, independent Asir ...
Previously, I had already thought of a scenario with Asir under French protectorate in the 1870s to escape Ottoman takeover.
Still, that's an interesting TL if you gonna screw the house of Saud in favor of a more diverse geopolitical landscape with maybe surviving Rashidi, Hashemite Hejaz, independent Asir ...
Previously, I had already thought of a scenario with Asir under French protectorate in the 1870s to escape Ottoman takeover.
I am also reading the thread, more just out of interest about the specific era, as I know little about it.
Looks interesting, a little known area of history for most i would dare to say.
You should maybe be aware that a problem some people have with trying to read Arab histories is that, similarly to reading Medieval European history, trying to keep track of who is who through the myriad tribes/familly trees can be confusing & discouraging so maybe try to make that clear for us ignorant Gwai-lo
Otherwise, looking forward to more & how this could completely redraw the world we know.
You should maybe be aware that a problem some people have with trying to read Arab histories is that, similarly to reading Medieval European history, trying to keep track of who is who through the myriad tribes/familly trees can be confusing & discouraging so maybe try to make that clear for us ignorant Gwai-lo
Otherwise, looking forward to more & how this could completely redraw the world we know.
The Uqair Conference of 1920
The Uqair Conference of 1920
The Conference was set to be held in Uqair, a town in the disputed zone of Al Haasa, and both the King of Najd, Ibn Saud, and the Sheikh of Kuwait*, Salim Al Mubarak, and the British also invited the Emir of Jabal Shammar, Saud Ibn Abdulaziz, are going to discuss how to solve the situation. The Conference will be protected by British soldiers and is headed by the High Commissioner of Iraq, Sir Percy Cox. (OOC: By the way Percy Cox is highly knowledgable in Arabic in the OTL and the confrenece in this TL will be in Arabic, but of course we are gonna "pretend" we are)
The four men sat on a round table, prepared for this closed door negotiations.
Percy Cox began, "Thank you for being here your highnesses, we shall discuss the borders of Kuwait and Najd."
Ibn Saud quickly replied, "In all due respect Kokus**, The Land of Al Haasa was conquered by my armies from the Ottomans, we do not see how Salim even has a slither of a claim of the land."
Sheikh Salim quickly retorted, "Stop lying you fat swine! The Land was within our soveriegnty even before British protection and was Kuwaiti land since our predeccesors, the Al Khalidis, were in power. Do you remember them?"
Ibn Saud had a furious face on him and was about to lash out on Salim, before Percy quickly restored order to meeting, "Please your highnesses! Fighting will only make the situation worse, so please refrain from insulting one another.
Ibn Saud and Sheikh Salim traded glares with each other before returning to the meeting at hand.
Percy then continued, "I suggest we cut the the land in half, between you two of course."
When he said this, Ibn Saud didn't like this and asked, "Are you expecting me to accept this? I will gain nothing from this!"
Percy knew he would say that so he said, "I know that so I will give you pieces of land from Jabal Shammar."
Emir Saud didn't like that, "Are you expecting me to give land to the usurpers of my ancestors land! Never"
Percy then Replied, "Don't worry your highness, The British Empire is prepared to give you coastal land in Tabuk. But it will require you to give full military access to us. Do all of you agree?"
The Monarchs looked at Percy continued to talk a little more to try to make it more reasonable and then they finally agreed on their (hopeful) final borders.
Percy Cox then started to draw the new borders of the three nations
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*OTL Sheikh Salim wasn't invited at all and it resulted in Kuwait losing 2 thirds of its territory due to Ibn Saud's "charms".
**"Kokus" is the nickname given by the Arabs to Sir Percy Cox.
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Here is the next post.
Sorry for the long wait, School has been pretty rough. But I did it. I hope to make frequent posts in the future. Here is this one.
The Uqair Conference of 1920
The Conference was set to be held in Uqair, a town in the disputed zone of Al Haasa, and both the King of Najd, Ibn Saud, and the Sheikh of Kuwait*, Salim Al Mubarak, and the British also invited the Emir of Jabal Shammar, Saud Ibn Abdulaziz, are going to discuss how to solve the situation. The Conference will be protected by British soldiers and is headed by the High Commissioner of Iraq, Sir Percy Cox. (OOC: By the way Percy Cox is highly knowledgable in Arabic in the OTL and the confrenece in this TL will be in Arabic, but of course we are gonna "pretend" we are)
The four men sat on a round table, prepared for this closed door negotiations.
Percy Cox began, "Thank you for being here your highnesses, we shall discuss the borders of Kuwait and Najd."
Ibn Saud quickly replied, "In all due respect Kokus**, The Land of Al Haasa was conquered by my armies from the Ottomans, we do not see how Salim even has a slither of a claim of the land."
Sheikh Salim quickly retorted, "Stop lying you fat swine! The Land was within our soveriegnty even before British protection and was Kuwaiti land since our predeccesors, the Al Khalidis, were in power. Do you remember them?"
Ibn Saud had a furious face on him and was about to lash out on Salim, before Percy quickly restored order to meeting, "Please your highnesses! Fighting will only make the situation worse, so please refrain from insulting one another.
Ibn Saud and Sheikh Salim traded glares with each other before returning to the meeting at hand.
Percy then continued, "I suggest we cut the the land in half, between you two of course."
When he said this, Ibn Saud didn't like this and asked, "Are you expecting me to accept this? I will gain nothing from this!"
Percy knew he would say that so he said, "I know that so I will give you pieces of land from Jabal Shammar."
Emir Saud didn't like that, "Are you expecting me to give land to the usurpers of my ancestors land! Never"
Percy then Replied, "Don't worry your highness, The British Empire is prepared to give you coastal land in Tabuk. But it will require you to give full military access to us. Do all of you agree?"
The Monarchs looked at Percy continued to talk a little more to try to make it more reasonable and then they finally agreed on their (hopeful) final borders.
Percy Cox then started to draw the new borders of the three nations
---------------------------------------------------------------
*OTL Sheikh Salim wasn't invited at all and it resulted in Kuwait losing 2 thirds of its territory due to Ibn Saud's "charms".
**"Kokus" is the nickname given by the Arabs to Sir Percy Cox.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Here is the next post.
Sorry for the long wait, School has been pretty rough. But I did it. I hope to make frequent posts in the future. Here is this one.
Cool update I like the maps and the dialogue was amusing.
Haha thanks
. I am not good in maps, so its a little crap but it works i hope. Also in real life, leaders and sheikhs do really do talk to each other like that if they are enemies 
The assassination of Emir Saud of Jabal Shammar and the Expansions of Saudi Najd - 1920-1926
Tribal betrayal
Emir Saud returned to his family and tribe back in Ha'il, he told the people in Ha'il of what transpired in the Uqair conference. Many of his family were outraged, how could he give his own country to the infidels that we fought to the bitter end during World War 1? Many of the tribes people shared their anger. A relative of Emir Saud, Abdullah bin Talal, was a religious zealot, he refused to bow down to Christian infidels.
He then planned to kill Saud and make another relative, Abdullah bin Mut'ib.
He secretly killed Saud a month after the Uqair conference. Abdullah bin Mut'ib rose to power and quickly revoked the British rights to their lands.
This infuriated the British to no end, they even thought of invading the nation, but they found a better idea.
They contacted the Al Saud and offered them a deal they will like. They asked them to invade and capture the lands of Jabal Shammar and they will let them keep the majority of their lands, as long as they return the lands given to them in the Uqair conference as they broke their part of the treaty with Britain and Saudi Najd.
Ibn Saud's invasion of Ha'il
So on November 2 1921, the Ikhwan invaded and quickly captured the territories of Jabal Al Shammar. The Battle of Ha'il was brief as the attack was very sudden, so the rest of the emirate fell to Ibn Saud.
The remnants of the Al Rashidis fled to Kuwait through their border and was taken in by Sheikh Salim.
The British was returned Tabuk by Ibn Saud as promised by him.
Sheikh Salim was frightened by the invasion and asked for Britain to explain the recent developments.
The British told Sheikh Salim that the Al Rashidis broke their end of their promise and so they had to pay the consequences.
Sheikh Salim was furious and asked for Britain to help modernise it army to make sure a rogue Najd state were to attack the small Sheikhdom.
The British were reluctant, but agreed to modernise the Kuwaiti army using old models of many British and Turkish weapons and tanks.
After a few years on 1925, The Kuwaiti ground forces was created using Great War-class weapons and tanks, given by the British and helped with its manufacturing. A new weapons manufacturing factory was built in Al Ahmadi.
Soon the Kuwaiti Armed Forces was created in 1926. Bringing a change from the traditional Bedouin way of fighting into a new era. Sheikh Salim thanked the British Empire and he promised that he will join every conflict that Britain goes into as much as he can.
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Hey Guys, sorry for the long wait, but here it is! I hope you like this one and if there is anything too ASB, please inform me so I can change it.
Constructive criticism is encouraged.
Tribal betrayal
Emir Saud returned to his family and tribe back in Ha'il, he told the people in Ha'il of what transpired in the Uqair conference. Many of his family were outraged, how could he give his own country to the infidels that we fought to the bitter end during World War 1? Many of the tribes people shared their anger. A relative of Emir Saud, Abdullah bin Talal, was a religious zealot, he refused to bow down to Christian infidels.
He then planned to kill Saud and make another relative, Abdullah bin Mut'ib.
He secretly killed Saud a month after the Uqair conference. Abdullah bin Mut'ib rose to power and quickly revoked the British rights to their lands.
This infuriated the British to no end, they even thought of invading the nation, but they found a better idea.
They contacted the Al Saud and offered them a deal they will like. They asked them to invade and capture the lands of Jabal Shammar and they will let them keep the majority of their lands, as long as they return the lands given to them in the Uqair conference as they broke their part of the treaty with Britain and Saudi Najd.
Ibn Saud's invasion of Ha'il
So on November 2 1921, the Ikhwan invaded and quickly captured the territories of Jabal Al Shammar. The Battle of Ha'il was brief as the attack was very sudden, so the rest of the emirate fell to Ibn Saud.
The remnants of the Al Rashidis fled to Kuwait through their border and was taken in by Sheikh Salim.
The British was returned Tabuk by Ibn Saud as promised by him.
Sheikh Salim was frightened by the invasion and asked for Britain to explain the recent developments.
The British told Sheikh Salim that the Al Rashidis broke their end of their promise and so they had to pay the consequences.
Sheikh Salim was furious and asked for Britain to help modernise it army to make sure a rogue Najd state were to attack the small Sheikhdom.
The British were reluctant, but agreed to modernise the Kuwaiti army using old models of many British and Turkish weapons and tanks.
After a few years on 1925, The Kuwaiti ground forces was created using Great War-class weapons and tanks, given by the British and helped with its manufacturing. A new weapons manufacturing factory was built in Al Ahmadi.
Soon the Kuwaiti Armed Forces was created in 1926. Bringing a change from the traditional Bedouin way of fighting into a new era. Sheikh Salim thanked the British Empire and he promised that he will join every conflict that Britain goes into as much as he can.
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Hey Guys, sorry for the long wait, but here it is! I hope you like this one and if there is anything too ASB, please inform me so I can change it.
Constructive criticism is encouraged.
A second Arab Legion
Interesting Update.. so the British helped to the Emir to create and trained a modern Army and has create a second British Arab Legion?
Interesting Update.. so the British helped to the Emir to create and trained a modern Army and has create a second British Arab Legion?
They trained the Kuwaiti Army mostly to counter any rogue Saudi Threat and to keep the Saudi state in check.
This will also play a large part in World War Two. So get ready for that!