Job Discussion Forums

SandyM · Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2005 4:40 pm Post subject: The beginning of the end?

I came across this today on the (in)famous blog from Dubai, http://secretdubai.blogspot.com/

ECSSR warns on Al Qaeda

An editorial by the UAE government-run Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research, reported by Associated Press, warns that Al Qaeda is busy recruiting and sinking roots into the region:

"The United Arab Emirates has so far been spared even though it has been a key player in the U.S.-led war on terrorism. Authorities have arrested at least two alleged high-profile al-Qaida members, passed laws against money laundering and kept a close watch on Islamic charities.

"Terrorism specialists have said Dubai was an ideal logistical hub for al-Qaida because of its liberal, cosmopolitan lifestyle and freewheeling business rules. Other gulf states, such as Bahrain and Qatar, could also be targeted because of their close ties to the United States. Like Dubai, they are home to a huge expatriate work force."

I wonder just how many teachers would be prepared to stay if the place gets too much like Bali? Does anybody think the Sheikh and the Education Ministry would be prepared to shell out 'danger money' for those who choose to stay on?

It's certainly food for thought, anyway.

Bindair Dundat · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 1123

SandyM · Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2005 6:00 am Post subject:

Well there's the authority of the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research, or the wisdom of Mr McDundat - you takes your choice!

Actually I was trying to start a bit of a debate on what it would take for teachers to start running away from the place - just curious, y'see. I have a hunch that many would prefer to stay, rather than flee, as was the case in Saudi.

However, childish comments represent a good enough starting point, I s'pose. Well done, Ronald - pick up a Gold Star on the way out, would you...

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

Well, BD does tend to wander about here trying to see what he can start. Laughing

But, that said, I suspect that his opinions on this topic would probably be of as much, if not more, value than the ECSSR - whoever they are.

I suspect that this is a government funded organization?? Can we accept its statements any more than the statements that come from a similar US organization?? There didn't seem to be anything new or surprising in that logic statement from them.

There is a very high probability that eventually something WILL happen in one of the Gulf countries. When it does, a certain proportion of people will leave - those with families first I suspect. And then things will level off as it has in Saudi where many of those who fled have now come back.

VS

james van cleave · Joined: 25 May 2005 Posts: 59

Actually, the only reason the UAE remains comparatively safe is that the Great and Glorious al-Nahyan family has been paying protection money to al-Qeada and Co. for a number years. I remember once hearing bin Laden railing against "the infididels and whores" occupying Arabia.

Do the Irish Village and Anglican Church (for starters) ring a bell with any of our listeners?
My advice -panic and flee.

James

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

Bindair Dundat · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 1123

james van cleave · Joined: 25 May 2005 Posts: 59

A few months ago on C-span television in the States there was a discussion on this very subject among journalists, academics, former diplomats etc. Apparently, one reason the UAE has been relatively peaceful is al-Qaeda has learned that blowing up Muslims,as in KSA and Egypt, loses them a lot of support among their Islamic brethren.
Incidently, there was rather a long article in the New York Times a while back about human trafficking in the Emirates and other Gulf countries.
Of course, the UAE ambassador to Washington was "Shocked! Shocked, I tell you." to hear such pernicious acccusations.
I think it would do His Excellency well to have a few pints down at the Alley Paley some Thursday night. It would be most illuminating.

peterpan13 · Joined: 21 Jul 2005 Posts: 64 Location: neverneverland

[I think it would do His Excellency well to have a few pints down at the Alley Paley some Thursday night. It would be most illuminating.[/quote]

Good - then maybe he can get together with Captain Kangaroo and discuss final settlements for the MLI teachers!

Bindair Dundat · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 1123

ecl · Joined: 19 Dec 2004 Posts: 27

I've always wondered...this idea of protection money. But then again, where's the proof or the evidence?

Bindair Dundat · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 1123

Bindair Dundat · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 1123

james van cleave · Joined: 25 May 2005 Posts: 59

Yes, I agree the locals generally are happy especially the ones from Abu Dhabi and Dubai. However, the person who set off a car bomb across the street from my residence (and yes, I did inform our noble MLI staff leaders, so if you didn't hear about it...) probably wasn't very happy.
I also happened to be present in Al Ain during the Hindu-Muslim riots of 1992. Those people seemed out of sorts a bit.

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

Those were the Babri mosque riots weren't they? As I recall, huge numbers of them were immediately deported back home...

I was actually on a student bus trip to Dubai on that day. We couldn't figure out why the roads were suddenly so empty - with truckloads of soldiers roaring about. A stop at a shopping center had been promised and we couldn't figure out why the place was closed.

Finally an Indian on the street told our driver what was going on and we decided that it was time to head back to Abu Dhabi much to the students' distress.

BTW... did they ever find out who set off that bomb near your residence? Or one of those things that you just get rumors later...

VS