We're fine at nine

I hope you have good luck, eight-eight!
The tune tonight that I curate
Are from a rather special date
Back when we were defending Kuwait
And a low unemployment rate
Which we would like to recreate
But can't! And that infuriates
Those forced to leave their grand estates
And not like problems will abate
But instead they just lay in wait
But that's a story I'll relate
A little later.