February 7, 2003 keralamonitor.com
The Gulf War - Saddam, Bush have No Value for Human Life
When Kuwait got its independence from Britain in 1961, Iraq revived an old claim that Kuwait had been part of an Ottoman province in southern Iraq and was, therefore, rightfully Iraq's. But, after intense global pressure, Iraq recognized Kuwait in 1963.There were occasional clashes along the Iraqi-Kuwaiti border since then, and the relation between the two countries continued to be tense. However, during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), Kuwait assisted Iraq with loans and diplomatic backing.By 1990, Iraq claimed that Kuwait was pumping oil from a field that straddled the Iraqi-Kuwaiti border and was not sharing the revenue. Iraq also accused Kuwait of producing more oil, than allowed under quotas set by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
On other hand Iraq's complaints against Kuwait were mostly about money in the beginning, but later it revived its land claim. With the explicit purpose of attacking Kuwait, Iraqi forces began to mobilize near the Kuwaiti border in the summer of 1990. Several Arab states persuaded the two countries to negotiate their differences; but the Iraqi government decided to annex Kuwait.Only four months before the invasion, a group of American senators had visited Saddam in Baghdad. Among them was Senator Howard Metzenbaum, who assured Saddam: "? I am now aware that you are a strong and intelligent man and that you want peace."
Then again, the US ambassador April Glaspie, less than a month before the invasion, told Saddam: "? We have no opinion on the Arab-Arab conflicts, like your border disagreement with Kuwait." Apparently this meant that the Americans were green-lighting Saddam to take the disputed part of the Kuwaiti land.Then, followed the US "Operation Desert Storm", which led coalition against Iraq to liberate Kuwait. 90,000 tons of bombs - the equivalent of seven and a half Hiroshima bombs - were dropped on the people of Iraq in the 43 days of the Gulf War, the biggest bombardment, since the Second World War. The result was: Saddam lived on in his palaces and bunkers, while his soldiers and the innocent civilians were pulverized by US bombs. Then came "the UN sanctions", which denied clean water, food and medicines to the suffering millions of Iraq. Consequently, Iraq today is a country utterly ruined and devastated.
According to the UN's own agencies (UNICEF, WHO, FAO, WFP) - over 600,000 children under the age of five have died since sanctions were imposed. UNICEF reports that 6,000-7,000 children are dying each month, in Iraq. This is because of malnutrition, virtually unheard of before the sanctions and also due to curable diseases, for which they have no medical treatment.Eight years of economic warfare have caused the deaths of 1.5 million Iraqi civilians. Isn't this a crime against humanity, a genocide? Both Bush and Tony Blair declare: "Our quarrel is not with the Iraqi people" - but it is the Iraqi people who are the victims!!
The US and the British leaders extol the "bravery" of the "courageous" men and women, who carried out their dangerous "mission", thousands of miles from home. But, what courage does it take to barrage a small, defenseless third world country, with hundreds of cruise missiles, fired from warships stationed miles away from their targets in the Persian Gulf. What courage it is to rain down 2,000 pounds smart bombs from warplanes at 40,000 feet in the darkness of night? The war party now accuses the Iraqi leader of lacking respect for human life - a point with which most of us agree - but we need also to notice that the "civilized" leaders in the US and Britain have demonstrated that they themselves have no respect for the lives of Iraqi "humans". They simply drum up the "threat" Iraq poses to the "entire world".
How could a small country, which has been battered and pounded so heavily, as Iraq, be considered a "threat" to the entire world? Please notice that the "super power" is proving its power by attacking the weakest! As Iraq starves, many of its neighbors continue to make billions of dollars. Most of the Arab countries have been totally neutralized and have capitulated to the Machiavellian strategies of the West governments.Isn't it clear that the "War on Terror" - which may be a code for "War on Islam"; or why should the US consider Iraq a greater threat than North Korea? - must be sustained by keeping the drumbeat at wartime pitch. After Afghanistan comes Iraq. After Iraq, who's next? The OIC and the OPEC are as good as broken and once the Iraqi oil fields are in hand, Iran and Saudi Arabia would be the last of the majors in the way?
The complicity, between the pro-Israeli US statesmen and their friends in Israel, is too obvious to be ignored. Just like the infamous Sykes-Picot agreement that betrayed the Arabs in 1916, there could be a Bush-Sharon agreement that will betray them in 2003. It is high time the Arab governments read the writings on the wall: "Once the short term goal is accomplished of solidifying Israel's supremacy by toppling Iraq, the Trojan Horse will open its belly and disgorge an onslaught to overthrow the rest of its enemies."
Above is my own opinion and it should be treated it as such. Thank you Robin robi94@yahoo.co.uk From: islamic_net@yahoogroups.com
7 February 2003
SUMMARY
We believe that Kuwait continues to be one of a number of countries where there is an increased threat to British institutions and organisations from global terrorism. There have been recent attacks in Kuwait by terrorists and you should maintain a high level of vigilance and exercise good security practice. Developments on Iraq and any further increase in regional tension could affect our travel advice. You should check it daily and follow developments closely.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Terrorism
In a terrorist attack in Kuwait on 21 January, two US nationals working for the US military were shot. One was killed and the other seriously injured. A terrorist incident also took place on 8 October 2002, on the Kuwaiti Island of Failaka, in which one US marine and two Kuwaiti assailants were killed in an exchange of fire. On 21 November 2002, two US soldiers were injured in a shooting incident whilst travelling to a military camp.
Although no incidents have occurred which directly affected British nationals, we believe that Kuwait, in common with all the Gulf region and many other countries, is a place where there is an increased threat to British institutions and organisations from global terrorism. Given the heightened tension in the Middle East region and the increased threat from global terrorism, you should be vigilant, particularly in public places frequented by foreigners such as hotels, restaurants and shopping malls, and exercise good security practice.
Domestic Political Situation
Travellers to the region should be aware of the impact that violence between the Israelis and Palestinians has had in the region and the risk of public disturbance in response. Recent developments in Iraq will also have had an impact on local public opinion in the whole of the region and this might be expressed by some people. You should follow news reports and be alert to regional developments which might trigger public disturbances. You should take sensible precautions for your personal safety and avoid political gatherings and demonstrations. Any increase in regional tension might affect travel advice.
Crime and local travel
Passports or Kuwait civil identification cards (for those who have them) should be carried at all times, particularly in present circumstances.You should not attempt to travel anywhere near the border with Iraq.
Landmines are still to be found in Kuwait. When travelling outside Kuwait City it is advisable to keep to tarmac roads. Care should be taken when using beaches and picnic spots. Even where officially cleared, there is still a danger from unexploded ordnance. Do not pick up any strange metal, plastic or other objects lying around. Do not souvenir hunt for war memorabilia. Driving is hazardous. Many drivers exceed speed limits, switch lanes without warning, frequently ignore traffic lights and speak on their mobile phones while driving with scant attention to other road users. Constant vigilance is essential.
You can drive on an International Driving Licence. Third party insurance is compulsory. Anyone applying for residence in Kuwait can also drive on an International Driving Licence until such time as the residency permit is issued. Thereafter a Kuwaiti driving licence is required. Any driver who has an accident must stay with the vehicle and not attempt to move it. It is an offence to leave the scene of an accident before the police arrive.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
Kuwait is a Muslim state and Islamic customs, in public, are strictly observed. During the holy month of Ramadan (which will next begin in November 2003) you should respect the accompanying customs. The law stipulates that a custodial sentence of up to one month or a KD 100 fine be imposed on anyone who eats, drinks or smokes in public during daylight hours in Ramadan.
The import and use of narcotics, alcohol, pork products and obscene material are forbidden and can lead to imprisonment. Penalties for drug trafficking include the death sentence. Drunken behaviour in public or driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by a fine or imprisonment and/or deportation and the withdrawal of the driving licence.
In public, general modesty of behaviour and dress is expected. Women who wear shorts or tight-fitting clothes, in particular in downtown areas, are likely to attract unwelcome attention. Photography near government, military and industrial sites, particularly oil fields, is forbidden.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
British nationals require a visa to enter Kuwait. Visas should be obtained in advance from a Kuwaiti embassy, or arranged through a sponsor/host in Kuwait. (Some hotels will arrange visas for guests booked in with them. Kuwait Airways can also arrange them for their passengers.) If you have an Israeli stamp in your passports you may be refused visas/entry to Kuwait.
You should not overstay your welcome and should leave Kuwait by the date stamped in your passports. Failure to do so will result in a fine for each day overstayed and possibly a ban from returning to Kuwait in the future.
HEALTH
There is a state medical service with local clinics and several good hospitals. There are also a number of doctors and dentists in private practice/hospitals. Fees are controlled by the State and are expensive.
GENERAL
You should ensure you have adequate medical and travel insurance.
Anyone involved in a commercial dispute with a Kuwaiti company or individual may be prevented from leaving the country pending resolution of the dispute.It is common practice for the passports of foreign nationals resident in Kuwait to be retained by sponsors. You should keep a copy of your passport.
‘Bouncing’ cheques are illegal and the law does not provide for offenders to be released from custody on bail. 'Post-dated' cheques can be banked immediately.British nationals are strongly advised to register with the British Embassy and to follow local advice issued by the Embassy and its wardens. British Embassy, Soor Street, Gulf Road, Kuwait (+965 240 3334).
