KUWAIT. Feb 1: It took Mohammad al Misbah three days to convince the father of his fl ancce that he would make a good husband and provide a decent home — even tf he does own a satellite dish, reports AP

"He told me that tf I wanted to marry his daughter I'd have to sell the dish because it brings dirty movies Into my house.’ al Misbah explained

The 25-year-old karate Instructor and his rela lives finally convinced his future father-in-law. a mosque preacher, that the dish is not an instrument of the devil

Many religious Kuwaitis are campaigning against a satellite dish craze In the emirate. Cof the post-Gulf War liberalization that dismayed fundamentalists

They fear the spread of what they consider decadent Western values among the emi rate s predominantly Muslim population of 13 miuton

The Muslim activists are seeking to introduce Sharia, or Islamic law. ’so how can we allow programmes that have not been censored by the Information Ministry?" asked Khaled al-Adwa as Islamic parliament deputy

He said satellite channels which "broadcast so-called sex education will have catastrophic effects on the morals of our young people ’ In neighbouring Saudi Arabia, Muslim zealots take potshots at dishes on roofs. In Kuwait, there have been a series of bombings al video stores in recent weeks.

Fundamentalists have taken to linking the dishes with AIDS, a tactic clearly designed to frighten Kuwaitis off acquiring the de vices.

"Beware of setting the AIDS dish on the roof of your home to receive the customs and trad! Hons of the Infidels,’ said pamphlets left on doorsteps or telefaxed to firms which sell the dishes.

The two page pamphlets, signed by ’a group of honourable people," came complete with statistics on the number of AIDS and incest victims in the United States and claims that Sweden is considering legalizing Incest

Despite the protests, sales of Satellite dishes have more than tripled since the emirate was liberated in February 1991 after seven months of Iraqi occupation

Before the Invasion. Kuwaitis needed an Information Ministry permit to have a dish

Now that's been waived and with more than 20 new companies competing for the burgoon ing dish market, prices have tumbled and black metal dishes arc sprouting on roofs Kuwaitis who stayed in the country during the Iraqi occupation and those who fled abroad developed a taste for uncensored television news and entertainment In the more liberal post war climate, they are reluctant to accept government — or Islamic — strictures

Laila Ahmed, a young Muslim housewife, bought a dish against the wishes of her family because she was so bored at home

Those who want to go to the mosque can go and those who want to have fun can have fun." she said

The most popular satellite channels are those offering news, the latest musical videos and movies No one cares what languages they’re in •

Russian. Pakistani, Chinese and even Israeli channels are in great demand

"Our TV programme* are dull Even the children are sick of cartoon reruns." said Hussein al Haddad, his eyes (licking from one screen to another tn a store that sells dishes for monthly payments of dirs 130

"We want entertainment. We went through enough sorrow during the Invasion and the occupation." said al Haddad, a 33yearold civil servant

Kuwait's censors routinely cut out love scenes from foreign movies and TV shows shown on the slate run network, sometimes even situations as Innocuous as a father affectionately pecking his daughter on the cheek.

In one recent episode of the US series Americas Funniest People." the censors scissored out a shot of an ape kissing the show s hostess.

Although press censorship was lifted about a vear ago, some newspapers and magazines still draw clothes on photographs of women considered Improperly dressed by Islamic standards.

Salah al-Haahetn. a lawyer and columnist. Is not worried about the effects of uncensored programme on his family because It’s all in how parents raise thetr children."

AJ-Hashem bought a dish last year and say he spends hours watching TV every day. It’s a way of getting around the government s monopoly over Information." he said

Physician Aref al-Nakkas said: "Some news reports about our region have a way of never getting Into our newspapers.

The only Kuwaitis who knew about the Iraqi troops massing on the border In August 1990 were the ones who had satellite dishes."