Job Discussion Forums

[ctmiezio]

I was thinking about the post below, "Terrorists wiped out in Dammam", and it got me to brooding about the general security situation.

I think our risk is generally low. There are a variety of reasons for this. The Saudis have been fairly effective in their campaign in-country. There is increased security everywhere, including a tank-like vehicle in front of my university. Also, I imagine most mujahadeen forces are concentrated over the border to the north.

This general assessment, I temper with caution. I'm buying an SUV for security reasons. I vary the times I go to the store, just to not establish a pattern. I keep a low profile as much as is possible when you're white and blue-eyed. I am careful not to get into political discussions in the office... people start talking about Iraq, and the American in me wants to comment, but I just walk away silently... I also am a lot more aware of traffic. Every attack I know of has been conducted from a car, so I am a lot more careful crossing the street, and I pay attention to the vehicles around me.

I also have never heard of a teacher being attacked. Does anybody have contrary information? It seems to me that oil company employees and security consultants are the ones truly at risk. Maybe I'm wrong.

Anyway what do the rest of you think? I don't want to be paranoid. Maybe I'm not being paranoid enough. I'm in Yanbu and I have never felt in danger, actually.

[scot47]

There were some attacks in Yanbu last year.

Don't get paranoid but be careful.

[Paul in Saudi]

The real problems will come a few years down the road when a wave of combat-hardened Saudis return home from Iraq. Still you have to hand it to the Saudis, they have done a good job so far.

[Hector_Lector]

More like combat-soggied Saudis, returning in dripping plastic bags. I thought the point of going to Iraq was strap on some explosives, light the blue touch paper and run out in search of infidel Americans or brother Muslim Iraqis. BOOOOM! Straight to Paradise and all the virgins you can handle!

[jmsauer]

Are you kidding? I can list at least four schools off the top of my head where American teachers have been killed. The best thing to do if you're an American working in Riyadh is wear an abaya and flak jacket to and from work. If you can't get ahold of a flak jacket, fashion one from teflon frying pans and duct tape. Except for work, you should never leave your flat for any reason whatsoever. Just make friends with one of the phillipinos working in the apartment building or compound and have them do all of your shopping for you. Board up your windows and always sleep under your bed, never on top of it. Don't trust anyone, especially your co-workers and always make your phillipino grocery shopper taste the food in front of you before you put it in the fridge.

Safety first!

[Paul in Saudi]

http://bulletproofme.com/

Almost worth getting one just to cause excitement at the airport.

Remember this about combat. The good and lucky ones survive. The ones that did something stupid don't come back. To underestimate the other guy is a rookie mistake.

[ootii]