Job Discussion Forums

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I have not detected increased hostility but I am not from the US. Most expatshave withdrwan into private life but that is the way of life here anyway.

There has been speculation that another terrorist act was due and many expected it before Ramadan which starts tomorrow (26 October).

I think a lot of the militant Islamists may have headed north to the continuing chaos of occupied Iraq.

Keep a low profile and get a T-shirt that makes you look German or French. But remember some of these Islamists are not very particular or very bright. Remember the ones in Cairo who attacked a group of Greeks because they thought they were Israelis.

ohman · Joined: 09 Sep 2003 Posts: 239 Location: B' Um Fouk, Egypt

Last assignment in Saudi, pre-Day of Infamy II, my compound always had some fella dozing behind his mounted 50 cal. Would it help if, when I return, I periodically sent our guard coffee and doughnuts?

johnslat · Posted: Sat Oct 25, 2003 1:32 pm Post subject: Dawn to dusk

Dear ohman,
" Would it help if, when I return, I periodically sent our guard coffee and doughnuts? "
Well, if you're returning soon, coffee and doughtnuts will only be permitted from sunset to sunrise - Ramadan's just about to start. So, you can expect some really serious " dozing " during the daylight hours. I imagine that if any terrorists are planning a strike in the Kingdom, they could hardly pick a more advantageous time than during the Holy Month.
Vigilance then will be, shall be say, less than fierce.
Regards,
John

ohman · Joined: 09 Sep 2003 Posts: 239 Location: B' Um Fouk, Egypt

John, hadn't thought about the Ramadan naps. In that case, I hope they take the firing mechanisms out of the .50s so they won't be turned towards the compound or at least distribute kevlar vests to the residents.

Cleopatra · Posted: Sun Oct 26, 2003 9:35 am Post subject:

I think embassies have gotton to the boy who cried wolf stage re KSA. they're issued so many vague warnings which haven't proved to be of any relevance that I think it's just a 'cover your ass' thing at this point.

Anyway, telling people to 'keep a low profile and be vigilant' isn't exactly useful advice, is it? surely that applies to reasonable behaviour in many parts of the world, at most times?

ohman · Joined: 09 Sep 2003 Posts: 239 Location: B' Um Fouk, Egypt

Ohman issues a travels advisory to anyone travelling in the New Orleans area to stay the eff out of the Treme Housing Projects anytime day or night.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

New Orleans ? Dangerous ? You are destroying the illusions I have about the USA !

Cleopatra · Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2003 7:02 pm Post subject:

Have just read in the good old Arab News that the Grand Mufti has just said that participating in demonstrations is 'UnIslamic'.

How terribly convenient. And I thought that the Al Sauds were boasting about how they were trying to reduce the power of the clergy. When it suits them...

johnslat · Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2003 10:09 pm Post subject: Simon says

Dear Cleopatra,
I saw that story, too ( I get the Arab " Newsletter " delivered by e-mail every day, as I guess you do, too ). My faint and struggling-to-survive feelings of optimism were dampened by it. One baby step forward, two giant steps back seems to be the agenda. When will they ever learn? Maybe the sands of time in the Royals' hourglass are running out
Regards,
John

Albulbul · Joined: 08 Feb 2003 Posts: 364

I am not sure that we can be so sure about "the beginning of the end." I do not trust soothsayers and I have less trust in political comentators.

Even people with good Arabic and years of experience here do not know what is going on.
And it is not given to us - any o us - to know the future.

Having said that, I am making plans to leave, sooner rather than later !