U.S. to order military dependents out of Bahrain
 

What do you all think of this?


WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Up to 900 U.S. military dependents will be ordered out of Bahrain because of "credible intelligence" that the tiny Persian Gulf state could be the next site of a terrorist kidnapping or other attack against Americans, Pentagon sources said Friday.

Bahrain is headquarters for the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet and maritime components of the U.S. Central Command, which both operate in the Gulf region. The military has 4,500 service members stationed there. There are 370 military and Defense Department families in the country.

Military sources said a number of "town-hall" meetings have been held with military families in Bahrain in the past several days.

The Pentagon insists the mandatory departure is not an evacuation, but rather a "temporary relocation." It was unclear when the dependents will be allowed to return.

The base has no military housing but is home to the Bahrain School -- run by the Pentagon and attended by children of military families.

Earlier Friday, the State Department urged all U.S. citizens in Bahrain to consider leaving.

"The department has received information that extremists are planning attacks against U.S. and other Western interests in the Kingdom of Bahrain," said the department's travel warning. "Credible information indicates that extremists remain at large and are planning attacks in Bahrain."

State Department deputy spokesman Adam Ereli said U.S. officials felt compelled to warn Americans about the security risks, "given the fact there is information individuals are planning attacks and are at-large."

The decision to send the families out of Bahrain marks the first mandatory order of that type in the Gulf nation.

Before the Iraq war, military families could voluntarily leave Bahrain and travel home at government expense.

Yeah!
 

they better bail out!

After watching Farenheit 9/11 I don't believe them anymore!
but thanks for the advice though.:cool:

And you believe Michael Moore????? :)


Mutt.

The Americans are making sure they don't get sued in case anything do happen, they can say 'we told you so'.

We're staying put.

Sorry to see that this disease is spreading from these Brain Dead
Individuals.
I read a book a couple of years ago from Michael Moore titled
Stupid White Men.
After seeing his movie I find it just as Stupid as his book.
The Guy is a Flaming Idiot.
People such as this is what is helping to spread this problem in the Middle East.
Along with the lack of security in the region.
I read on the news that they had these 6 terrorist in custody in Bahrain and just let them go. Lack of evidence, also they did not look for any.
I am sure Michael Moore will have a theory as to why this happened.
Maybe he should write a biography on his self and call it:
Stupid Fat People or Lard Asses in Denial

We are staying put in Saudi Arabia also.
If we all leave these fanatics win.
Hope the people in Bahrain do the same.

I would doubt the wisdom of suggesting that the US can be entirely absolved on the "looking for evidence" count........

Bahrain Lad,
Everytime the USA has posted a warning for Americans to leave they have been 100% correct.
Their batting average is excellent.
These are only done to insure the safety of American citizens.
As far as getting sued for this, its really difficult to sue the US government, not like Macdonalds or a car accident.
Should the expats leave and give into these fanatics, NOT!
Are you leaving?
I would hope that all expats in the region stand up to these fanatics and stay.
I do know that it is hard after what we have witnessed here recently.
I was one of the first that wanted to bail out.
After careful consideration and looking at how they destroyed all of our lives in many ways, I will stay.
If we leave then they have won.
Then only the fanatics will control everything to include the honest ones left behind.
Its time for all expats to stand together against these people.
The alternative is not good.

We're singing from the same sheet here.....of course I'm not leaving.

I remember the last British "we're all going to die" message......3 days before Christmas. Triumph of PR that one.

Long Live Michael Moore....
 

The required 15 characters being typed....

:E

LONG LIVE SALMAN RUSDIE

only 20 letters to typed
(the difference, one got a award for is propanganda and rusdie got a Jihad against him and is on the run since 1995, and that is self explain....)

Dont think I would venture to Saudie Arabia, (seriously bad publicity) but wouln't hesitate about going to the UAE.
As far as Michael Moron goes, what a tw@t!

describes his next movie brilliantlyl.

Hello All,

I need your advise about the following;

what is your opinion about the safety and security for next 1-2 years in the small Gulf States.

I am asking ,cause have an offer to work and relocate to Doha and this is my only fear about it.

I am asking everybody I can,read the local news on the Net,but I still dont have the answer.

Is there any possibility for these countries(Qatar,Bah,UAE) to get in the same situation like Saudi Arabia or might be anything that hits their current security records?

I am not living there,so I am not familiar if Qatar has some good and safe system inside to avoid threatnings.

Any answer appretiated even by PM.

Thank You all,

Deske

I still feel a hundred times safer here than I do in London. Personal opinion.

Are you for real? Oh so what do you propose? We expats start our own little army and bang the terrorists?? I am sorry but you live in a dreamworld my friend. Was your life back in UK, North America or wherever you are from so bad that you won't return? SAUDI is not a safe place period. The US Gov believe Bahrain will follow suit.. if and when?? who knows. Why would you even take a chance, how would you feel if your wife and child were out at a shopping mall and someone let off a car bomb at the entrance? OHH it was all worth it for the all mighty buck! I don't know you personally but your comments knocked me on my a**. It's time all expats evaluate their situations in SAUDI/Bahrain. Do you actually think the gov out here (bahrain for example) could avert such a disaster? They can't even control speeding on the roads.. how do you expect them to filter out the bad guys at the causeway! Both my wife and I are outta here in a couple weeks... til then we are laying low and not putting ourselves in a position where we could be a "soft targets".

Some facts to take into account:

Last January the Admiral asked his aides to draw up a report showing how much money they would save by sending all the dependants home and moving all their personell into single accomodation (Family rent allowance BD 1000, Single rent allowance BD 350).

The yanks then told the Bahraini government that they had some "credible" intelligence that these six "terrorists" were bad lads who had been for training. The Bahraini's duly arrested them, their families kicked up a stink and the King ordered them to be released.

The Yanks are now extremely pissed of with the Bahraini King as they do not think he is taking seriously the threat of terrorism in Bahrain, and have pulled forward their already existing plan to get dependants out and therefore remove a serious amount of money from the Bahrain economy.

And thats the fact as relayed to me by a very senior officer in Mickey' boat club.

:ok:

On On

Information for the Braves!
 

http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?...=1013618385621


SUMMARY UK.

We judge that there is a high threat from terrorism.
You should review your security arrangements carefully. You should remain vigilant, particularly in public places.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Terrorism
We judge that there is a high threat from terrorism against western, including British, targets.
We are particularly concerned about potential threats to places where westerners might gather.
You should review your security arrangements carefully. You should remain vigilant, particularly in public places


CANADA
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/sos/ci/...asp?txt_ID=447

Recent attacks in the Middle East confirm a continuing security threat throughout the region. Military actions continue in Iraq, and the situation remains hazardous and unpredictable. Random and indiscriminate terrorist acts in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, in addition to ongoing military operations, pose major risks. Moreover, large-scale attacks in Syria and Saudi Arabia, plus a thwarted chemical bomb attack in Jordan, further demonstrate that the security situation can deteriorate rapidly without notice. There is a high probability of future attacks occurring anywhere in the region without warning.

Canadians travelling or residing in the Middle East should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times, especially in commercial and public areas frequented by foreigners. They should also monitor local developments, avoid crowds and demonstrations, and register and remain in contact with the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate or Foreign Affairs Canada (call collect 613-996-8885).



Australians

http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-c...Advice/Bahrain

This Advice is current for Monday, 05 July 2004, EST
The Advice was issued on Tuesday, 22 June 2004, 17:09:20, EST
This advice has been reviewed and reissued with new Safety and Security information. The overall level of the advice has not changed.
Australians in Bahrain should exercise a high degree of caution and monitor developments that might affect their safety. There are ongoing tensions in the Middle East and the risk of possible terrorist attacks against Western interests remains. Particular care should be exercised in commercial and public areas known to be frequented by foreigners.
Australian travellers should be aware of the increased threat of terrorism globally and should consult the General Advice to Australian.


You need more?

Damn right I "need more".....that advice has been the same for the past 2 years and in a similar guise since 1996 when the internal strife started......literally outside my front door I might add!

Was this "credible" evidence similar to the "credible" evidence presented by the US in respect of the Algerian pilot trainer arrested in the UK? If so, no wonder the 6 were released.

I've been in and around Bahrain since, oh when, I first landed here as a young Flying Officer on the eve of the 6 day War in 1967 when I found things very interesting here, and they've been interesting ever since! As expats, we have to make up our own minds; mind you, I don't recall the British Govt. giving my wife and me a warning the day we went to Manchester when the IRA blew up the Arndale Center. Whilst not trying to bury our heads in the sand, its important to keep an objective perspective. In this instance, the Americans are annoyed with the Bahrainis and are playing politics with them, and will risk losing some of the few friends they have in the Middle East.

....nobody seems to have learn from the past hum! U.S still in the penalty box from their inaction in Pearl Harbour, same stuff with 9/11 investigation....but when they take action to prevent such coward attacks, they go back in the penalty box again.....what a disturb world we are living in!!!!!!

billy 34 kit,

great post..very well said

Well said Bahrain lad and Captain Sensible. Note that none of the Embassy warnings posted above even advises to consider leaving the island, far from instructing people to depart immediately.

The British Embassy Travel Advice has not been updated since April 5, and is the usual 'be vigilant'. The American Embassy has not contacted its wardens to warn US expats of anything, and its latest warden message dated July 5 simply says "the Department has authorized the departure of family members and non-emergency employees of the U.S. Embassy in Manama, on a voluntary basis".

We talked to the Embassy last night and they are distancing themselves from the notice to depart, saying that it applies to the military only. There is concern about the effect this will have on the Free Trade Agreement between US-Bahrain, which is yet to be ratified.

Contacts in Juffair have confirmed the posting by Sirwa69 - the American forces dependants were already planned for departure. For political reasons - the US is not happy at the 'bad boy six' being released - this has been brought forward.

We will certainly not be complacent - there remains a rumour that 'something' will happen 'within 30 days' - but no need to panic. There are many places a lot less safe than here (also in Europe and US), we are staying put.

Just got this …..

Persistent if indistinct intelligence reports based on electronic intercepts and live sources, indicate that Al-Qaeda is determined to strike some time this year. All non-essential personnel are therefore advised to leave the continental united states of America

This actual report was taken from a New York Times report, the part about leaving is all mine, but it begs the question, why is Bahrain less safe?”.

Mutt.

I'm reading this with some personal interest and am asking for your input. I am in the situation of having my spouse already over in Bahrain. Myself and my children are slotted to head over in the next couple of weeks. He tells me all is fine over there. What I'm hearing on this end is another story. The Canadian government travel site has posted a warning to Canadians suggesting that they not travel to Bahrain, and that those who are there "carefully evaluate" the need to remain. (The passage that Loopy posted has since been updated) Those of you that are there, please continue to post your feelings regarding any security issues. (I must admit that billy24-kit does make a good point). For those of you considering going, what do you think? And for those who are already there but have not yet been joined by your family, would you happily bring them over now? I'm looking for some help here!

Not many flying jobs out there Guys.
I hope some of these post are wrong, otherwise we are all being used as political pawns.
The beheading in KSA did cause me to re-evaluate my decision on staying.
911 caused us all a lot of pain in the aviation industry.
Some of us still trying to recover.
Its a personal choice, I will be staying until the market improves.
Lets all hope they catch these fanatics soon.
Best thing now is to send your family home and wait and see if it gets better.
I feel much better knowing I am not placing my family at the same risk.

Also if something were to happen and a evacuation came down, it would be much easier for you to get out rather than having to worry about your family too, lets all hope this does not happen.
The potential for things to go bad real quick is there.
Probably the main reason for the warning.

In the north,

Welcome to Pprune. The decision about moving to Bahrain wont be easy, however it has to be made by yourself and your spouse. Both Earl and I live in Jeddah, its in a totally different country and at least in my case i know nothing about Bahrain.

Please be careful about what you read on here as not all posters are actually in Bahrain.

I would suggest that you review topics in this forum regarding Gulf Air, try to identify posters who actually reside in Bahrain and send them a personal message.

Good Luck with the decision.

Mutt.

Thats correct Mutt,
Its a personal choice.
Everyone of us knows what our comfort and security level is and when that level has been reached.
Once there its time to go.
Right now it seems that no where is safe for our families.
Here in Jeddah things are only at a elevated level of concern.
In Bahrain it may be different.

In the north,

I am Canadian, lived in Toronto and now in Bahrain. Yes your husband is right, "all is fine here". On a day to day basis, life goes on in a normal way. As the embassy says, the situation could deteriorate very quickly without notice. Have you ever been out here? You might be in for a culture shock regardless.

We have been here 18 months, during the war we were not too worried about our safety here. Now is a different story since the attacks happened in Saudi. If individuals are being targeted there, in my opinion it's only a matter of time before it happens here.

Ask yourself a questions.. "WHY TAKE A CHANCE?"

We are leaving for good at the end of this month, safety was not the only factor but did have alot of influence on our decision. I understand the aviation industry as a pilot is not great in Canada/US. Forturnately I am not affected by this, I am a controller and every country in the world is short staffed. It's not an easy decision for your family, I am sure of that.

Feel free to PM me with any questions/concerns. Also, I can give you our phone number and you can call and speak with my wife about your concerns.

Cheers

We are 'actually in Bahrain' with our two young kids and have never felt the slightest concern about safety, other than on the roads.

I agree it comes down to personal and comfort levels, I will never criticise anyone for leaving if they do not feel comfortable, and it is understandable to think twice before coming here. There are plenty of places we would not move to, and Saudi is one of them, even when we are right next door.

My input: your spouse is right, all is fine in Bahrain. But in the end you need to be convinced and satisfied. Dealing with culture (and climate) shock can be hard enough without being worried about safety as well. For us, we would not stay here with our kids if we felt seriously at risk. We are staying, we are happy here.

Why take a chance? Again personal choices. My choices include living in Bahrain, piloting flying machines, riding motorcycles, racing karts, having kids and German in-laws. All too risky according to some of my friends and family.