KUWAIT CITY — Experts emphasized the critical role of credible media, government transparency, and the integration of scientific research into policymaking in maintaining national security during crises, during a panel discussion held Tuesday in Adailiya. The event, titled “The Importance of Media and National Security,” was organized by the Kuwait Journalists Association and the Kuwaiti Retired Officers Association at the Kuwait Social Association headquarters.

The panel, moderated by Madhi Al-Khamees, president of the Media and Communication Association, included media and strategic consultant Dr. Saleh Al-Mutairi, Kuwait University sociology professor Dr. Yaqoub Al-Kandari, Kuwait Journalists Association adviser Dr. Ayed Al-Manaa, and former information minister Professor Dr. Saad bin Tiflah. The speakers addressed the responsibilities of the media during regional conflicts, the challenges posed by misinformation, and the significance of maintaining public trust in official institutions.

Dr. Al-Mutairi, who previously served as director-general of news and political programs at Kuwait Television, identified credibility as fundamental for any media outlet, particularly amid national emergencies. He distinguished between public awareness and trust, noting that audiences might be informed about events without necessarily having confidence in the reporting institutions. Al-Mutairi stressed that credibility builds through consistent communication and ongoing engagement with audiences rather than sporadic statements issued only during crises.

He warned that the competitive nature of social media to deliver breaking news quickly places pressure on journalists to balance the demands of speed, accuracy, freedom, and responsibility, while upholding the public’s right to information. He highlighted that misinformation tends to proliferate when reliable data is scarce and confidence in official sources wanes. Al-Mutairi also questioned whether crisis management bodies are adequately prepared to counter false information, arguing that simply establishing such departments is insufficient without prior transparency and readiness.

Al-Mutairi further cautioned against viewing the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries as a monolithic political entity, pointing out differences in their stances despite shared interests. Recalling Iraq’s 1990 invasion of Kuwait, he expressed disappointment over support some Arab intellectuals and politicians extended to Saddam Hussein during the occupation, underscoring the need for effective communication of Gulf perspectives. He concluded that successful media strategies rely more on credibility and organization than financial resources alone.

Addressing the role of research in governance, Dr. Al-Kandari criticized Kuwait’s limited use of academic findings in government decision-making compared to other Gulf states. As director of Kuwait University’s Center for Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Studies, he noted that numerous scholarly studies on social, political, educational, and economic matters often fail to influence policy or crisis management. He described a disconnect between research entities and policymakers, stressing that decisions should be grounded in scientific evidence and specialized expertise rather than personal judgment. Al-Kandari called for enhanced collaboration between government and research centers and urged political leaders to engage academics outside official institutions to improve crisis preparedness.

Dr. Al-Manaa highlighted the delicate balance journalists must maintain between the public’s right to know and safeguarding sensitive military information that could jeopardize national security. He warned that releasing certain details during conflicts could aid hostile forces, and emphasized the media’s role in maintaining public morale and unity. He also criticized inconsistent official messaging and the spread of rumors during Iranian attacks on Gulf countries, advocating for timely, verified information from designated government channels.

Former information minister Dr. Saad bin Tiflah underscored the necessity of appointing a credible spokesperson empowered with access to accurate information and clear guidance from senior officials during emergencies. He described such communication as vital to national security, equating its importance to military operations, especially in providing reassurance, direction, and reliable updates to the public. Dr. bin Tiflah also highlighted perceived double standards in international media coverage of regional conflicts, noting a greater focus on the Palestinian issue while attacks on Gulf states receive comparatively less attention. He questioned the inconsistent application of media freedom principles, contrasting restrictions on Russian state media after the Ukraine invasion with the ongoing operation of Iranian state platforms. He argued that civilian attacks warrant scrutiny regardless of the actors involved.

The panelists collectively affirmed that maintaining credible journalism, transparent official communication, and public trust is essential to counter misinformation and strengthen national security amid ongoing regional tensions.