Jassem Al-Kharafi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jassem al-Kharafi
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جاسم محمد عبدالمحسن الخرافي
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| Speaker of the Kuwait National Assembly | |
| In office June 20, 2012 – October 7, 2012 |
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| Preceded by | Ahmed al-Sadoun |
| Succeeded by | Ali al-Rashid |
| In office July 17, 1999 – December 6, 2011 |
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| Preceded by | Ahmed al-Sadoun |
| Succeeded by | Ahmed al-Sadoun |
| Minister of Finance | |
| In office March 3, 1985 – June 12, 1990 |
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| Preceded by | Ali Al-Khalifa Al-Sabah |
| Succeeded by | Nasser Abdullah Al-Roudhan |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1940 Kuwait City, Kuwait |
| Died | May 21, 2015 (age 75) |
| Relations | Nasser al-Kharafi (brother) Faiza al-Kharafi (sister) Fawzi al-Kharafi (brother) Marzouq al-Ghanim (nephew) |
| Children | 6 |
| Parent | Mohammed al-Kharafi |
Jassem Al-Kharafi (Arabic: جاسم محمد عبدالمحسن الخرافي, 1940 – May 21, 2015) was an important Kuwaiti politician and businessman. He served as the Speaker of the Kuwaiti National Assembly from 1999 to 2011. In 2006, as Speaker, he played a key role in helping Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah become the leader (Emir) of Kuwait. During Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah's rule, Jassem Al-Kharafi's family company, M. A. Kharafi & Sons, was very important in many parts of Kuwait's economy, like building, communication, and investments.
Contents
Early Life and Public Service
Jassem al-Kharafi was born in Kuwait City in 1940. His father, Mohammed Abdulmohsen al-Kharafi, started the big company M. A. Kharafi & Sons. Jassem studied business in Kuwait. Before becoming a politician, he worked as a director at his family's company. In 1975, he was elected to the National Assembly. He also served as the Minister of Finance for five years, from 1985 to 1990.
Important Political Views
Views on Iran's Nuclear Program
On July 13, 2008, Jassem Al-Kharafi spoke publicly about Iran's nuclear program. He believed that Western countries were making the situation worse. He said that such a sensitive issue needed talking, not fighting. He felt that Iran should not be treated like it was just another state of America.
Thoughts on Israeli Attacks
In July 2006, he strongly spoke out against the attacks by Israel on Lebanon. He warned that the war would "turn us all into terrorists." This showed his concern for peace in the region.
Speaker of the Kuwaiti National Assembly
Jassem Al-Kharafi was chosen as the Speaker of the National Assembly in 1999. He held this important position for five terms. This was the longest time anyone had served as Speaker in Kuwait's history. He decided not to run for re-election in the 2012 elections.
His Family
Jassem Al-Kharafi came from a well-known family. His brother, Nasser, managed the family business, M. A. Kharafi & Sons. Nasser was even listed as one of the richest people in the world by Forbes magazine. His sister, Faiza, was the head (rector) of Kuwait University. On October 7, 2011, the University of Tirana gave Jassem Al-Kharafi an honorary degree.
