Ron Barr and Sports Byline USA LIVE from Iraq

Our entry into the Middle East comes in Kuwait. Kuwait of course was the focal point of our first war against Iraq in the early 90's. Today, Kuwait is a prosperous, America loving country. Kuwait City is a reflection of that prosperity and full blooded Kuwaitis today are driving expensive cars and doing little work. Oil is the source of that prosperity and Kuwait sits on 10% of the world's oil supply. By their estimations, at the current rate of world usage, Kuwait's oil supply will last another 150 years.

It's fun watching Kuwait first timers Spencer Tillman, Randy Cross and Brian Billick see and learn about a life and a world unique and different from theirs. I can see them soaking it up. Full blooded Kuwaitis are privileged. Most of the work in Kuwait is done by others-Pakistanis, Indians, and other Arabs. The power and privileges in this part of the world belong to the men. The Kuwait government shares its oil wealth by giving Kuwaiti men loans to start businesses and every family receives a reported stipend of $100,000 for each child born. It's a fascinating human dynamic which creates both wonderment and disbelief.

Earlier, I referred to Kuwait as "America loving." Let me explain further. They understand and appreciate what America did in liberating their country in America's first Iraq war in the 90's. There seems to be no anger or resentment that we have a large American military presence in their country. They understand you have to give up something in order to get something. And, having a country to still call their own and a comfortable lifestyle is well worth giving up some their sand for America's military needs. Kuwait also put "its money where its mouth is" when they showed their appreciation by giving 500 million dollars to the hurricane Katrina relief effort.

For me, the only difference between my first Kuwait visit and my second is the temperature. When I was here the first time it was August and 130 degrees. This time it's February and it's in the 50's. But, one thing remains the same, Kuwait is still barren and the wind and sand is always blowing.