|
Gulf states strengthen security measures to prevent exodus of Westerners
|
SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Thursday, October 18, 2001
ABU DHABI Ñ Gulf Cooperation Council states have increased security
measures to ensure protection against Westerners.
Gulf defense sources said GCC members are increasing protection of
schools, expatriate residential areas and facilities used by nationals from
Britain, Canada and the United States. The increased security was prompted
by a rash of attacks on Westerners in such places as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia
and the United Arab Emirates.
In many cases, the sources said, authorities in GCC states are allowing
foreigners to augment security around schools to avoid a siege atmosphere.
The policy closes many facilities used by Westerners to Arab nationals.
Gulf Arab countries are trying to prevent a flight of Westerners amid
the U.S.-led attack on Afghanistan. Authorities have also reported arrests
of Islamic militants.
Over the next month, several major conferences and exhibitions will take
place in the Gulf. These include the World Trade Organization meeting in
Doha and the Dubai air show in the United Arab Emirates.
In Manama, envoys from British universities arrive over the weekend for
an education fair in Bahrain.
| 
