Job Discussion Forums

WhatsGrammar? · Joined: 05 Jun 2008 Posts: 54

The UK Government today announced a terrorist threat may be possible in the UAE.

Reported on BBC news. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7456547.stm

redeyes · Joined: 21 Jun 2007 Posts: 254

Judging from UAE's geographical location, I am surprised the threat hasn't arisen before now to be honest.

What a fine mess our Western leaders have got us into. As a result of our politicians' unrelenting violence in the ME and their decidedly devious political affiliations all over the region-- sadly, regrettably, worryingly-- it isn't surprising that angered neighbouring countries/aggrieved individuals in the region would end up wanting to take a shot at nearby Westerners in UAE.

I sincerely hope -- for all our sakes -- the threat doesn't come to anything.

Mind you, with all the threat in England now, I can tell you , a lot of people don't feel very safe in major cities there anymore. Travelling on the Subways after the London bombings was a scary business for a few weeks afterwards, not to mention the other terror related threats in the North of England and on the streets of London and in airports as far away as Scotland.

I would wager UAE is still far far safer than England.

globalnomad2 · Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 562

I'll remind you that Middle Eastern terrorists struck Western, particularly American interests, long before the first Gulf War. From the 1970s to around 2000 the State Department has a list of terrorist attacks against US interests worldwide that number well above 100. One of the more notorious and typically cowardly ones was pushing the American Jewish paraplegic gentleman overboard off the Achille Lauro. I can't stand western apologists for terrorists.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

There is a big difference between being an 'apologist' and admitting that 'we reap what we sow.' Nothing will change until that realization sinks in and policies change to try to take some small steps to avoid making a bad situation worse.

Nowhere is safe anymore...

VS

The Lemon · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 42

I believe there's a loss of perspective when it comes to "terrorism". Two things to consider:

1. Here's the Australian government's current warning for visiting the UK:

-----
We advise you to exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect your safety in the United Kingdom at this time because of the high risk of terrorist attack. Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security threats.

The United Kingdom remains a potential target for terrorist activity, with terrorist attacks occurring in 2005 and 2007. UK authorities rate the threat level for the United Kingdom at 'Severe' which means that an attack is highly likely. Authorities are urging the public to be aware of the dangers of terrorism and to report any suspicious activity.
-----

If we believe the Australians, perhaps the British Government should be encouraging Her Majesty's subjects in the Home Islands to evacuate *to* the UAE.

Or, maybe we should consider that terrorism is a (minor and random) risk everywhere, like lightning, and to change how we live our lives based on sensational yet statistically rare acts really would be a sign of defeat and surrender to "the evildoers".

Regarding this warning: I'm far more worried about the well-meaning yet ignorance-driven concern I'm going to have to endure on my summer visit home from relatives who've been watching way too much Fox News, than I am about flying out of DXB this weekend.

2. I bet anyone here 100 dirhams that more people will die in UAE traffic accidents in the next year than will die in terrorist acts in the next decade. But that doesn't make the headlines on BBC and CNN, does it?

007 · Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2008 5:08 pm Post subject:

Well, as far as Iran is not attacked, then there will be no �terrorist� attacks on UAE!
BTW, Iran has 400,000 Iranians living in the UAE and are ready for sacrifices!!

Just watch the waters of the Persian Gulf, when you see the 5th & 7th fleets of Uncle Sam there, then expect the unexpected!! Laughing

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

So do you think we might see a drop in rental prices?

heyjoe · Joined: 09 May 2007 Posts: 18

ah mishmumkin, thanks for lightening this thread up.lol. look at the bright side right? some lower rents would be nice.

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

uaeobserver · Joined: 05 Feb 2007 Posts: 236

saw the warning, today.

Was curious what kind of attack they are anticipating.

1) Sunni (bin Laden variety) --- given their history, guessing they'd go after Dubai. That's where you see the US Navy, lots of alcohol and other haram stuff.

2) Shiite (Iran) ---- terror hasn't been their forte, in recent history. If it were to re-emerge (I don't think it would) --- they'd be more prone to harass Abu Dhabi.

I really do hope the warnings are over-reaction. I'm really just hoping the Kenyan government talked the Brits into raising the alert level, so more Kenyans would be hired for security patrols.

blues clues · Joined: 28 Jul 2004 Posts: 61

Unfortunately, it's prob only a matter of time. I'm surprised it's not happen yet. There are many unhappy people who would take great pleasure in getting rid of what the see are "western" created problems, such as prostitution, alcohol use, and many other "harems" they have issue with. And with prices here skyrocketing...wonder how many people just sitting around without hope, no work, no money in their pockets, no way to even leave the UAE to return to their own countries..suicide bombings would prob be most welcoming...Emiratis wouldn't be involved..they don't think much about politics or what's going on in other parts of the ME. They have more important things on their minds (cars, travelling to exotic countries, where there are exotic women, etc, etc.. Wink

HOwever, if there's a war with Iran (and it'll prob happen while Bush is still in, which means anytime between now and Oct.,) , everyone better hope their embassies let them know soon enuf to get a flight out of here..I predict it would not be pretty...

Gulezar · Joined: 19 Jun 2007 Posts: 483

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

On the whole, Emiratis are not as fanatical as some of their neighbours. I am guessing, like someone suggested above, that this has something to do w/ that prison escape in Afghanistan, the UK's freeze on Bank Melli Iran, and the like. Even if there are those in the uAE w/ more extreme political/religious views, I do think that the government is uber-vigilant when it comes to this. They cannot afford any problems, and I suspect they're busting their humps to keep things quiet and peaceful.

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 3:47 pm Post subject:

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 4:11 pm Post subject:

Ummm... aren't you guys forgetting that at least two (maybe three, I forget) of the 9/11 hijackers were from the UAE? From RAK, in fact. When is the last time you were in the heart of Baniyas? There is poverty, and there is anger, and there is loss of identity in the UAE. All of those things breed "terror" or revolution or freedom fighting or whatever you want to call it.