Kuwaiti Gift Exchange

KUWAIT CITY–Kuwait's ruler is marking several key anniversaries by literally paying tribute – handing out 1,000 dinar ($3,559) grants and free food coupons for every citizen in the Gulf nation.

The state news agency KUNA reports Monday that Sheik Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah has ordered the gifts for all the estimated 1 million Kuwaiti citizens.

It even covers newborns until Feb. 1….The food program is expected to offer free staples such as rice, eggs and milk until March 2012.

Hmmm, what could account for this sudden urge to gift?