Kuwaitis Protest at the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait

So yesterday I posted the email warning that was sent to me by the U.S Embassy about a possible demonstration being held. I had not seen anything on Twitter about a protest at our embassy or heard of any reason why.  

But today I checked out The Arab Times Online and on their home page they had this as the feature article. So that answers my question!

‘Release Kuwaitis At Guantanamo’Citizens Protest In Front Of US Embassy

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 20: Around 400 Kuwaitis gathered in front of the US Embassy in Bayan Sunday to demand the release of the Kuwaiti inmates at Guantanamo Bay Prison, Fayez Al-Kandari and Fawzi Al-Awda.
Speaking at the gathering, MP Dr Waleed Al-Tabtabaei affirmed the protest action in part of efforts to secure the release of the two inmates. He condemned the detention without trial and called on the US government to release them as an act of friendship if it truly regards Kuwait as one.
Al-Tabtabaei said the WikiLeaks has published cables, quoting  former Interior Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Khalid as saying that Kuwait does not want the inmates, while citing how the Israeli government went out of its way to secure the release of Gilad Shalit. He urged the Kuwaiti government to exert more efforts in demanding the immediate release of the Kuwaiti inmates in Guantanamo.
Meanwhile, head of the Guantanamo Inmates Support Group Fawzi Al-Enezi stressed the protesters have conveyed a clear message to the US embassy and its government, confirming the gathering of 20,000 signatures on a petition tilted “Guantanamo Prison is a Mark of Disgrace for the US.” He asked for the immediate release of the Kuwaiti inmates.
Also, attorney Adel Al-Abdulhadi appealed to the Kuwaiti and US governments to work together to guarantee the immediate release of both inmates.
 

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By: Jaber Al-Humoud

While I definitely know America won't be releasing any prisoners from Gitmo just because they received a petition, these Kuwaiti's do have a point in that the prisoners should be getting a fair trial. But I don't think it will necessarily harm the friendship the U.S has with Kuwait. America isn't punishing Kuwait for their citizens being involved in plotting terrorism against the U.S, they are treating the individuals rather than the state. I think that's fair. Would Kuwait rather that we pull out of their tiny little country & let them defend themselves from...hmm...Iran & Iraq? Things between Iraq & Kuwait are getting a bit heated again since Kuwait is going forward with building this new port where Iraq says it will stop their only way of boat transportation.

But if Kuwaiti's want to play that game, why don't we quiz them as to why they released those 11 who plotted to attack Camp Arifjan (a U.S Military Base in Kuwait)? They found explosives, weapons, & their plans and thank God it never came to fruition, but because Kuwaiti Secret Service interrogated them too harshly they were freed!!!!! 

Emergency Warden Message for Americans in Kuwait

Kuwait City, Kuwait

November 20, 2011

Subject:       Possible Protest Gathering at the U.S. Embassy on November 20, 2011

Please circulate the following message without additions or omissions immediately to all U.S.  Citizens within your area of responsibility.

There are unconfirmed reports of a possible silent protest gathering in front of the U.S. Embassy on Sunday, November 20 at 19:00.  The gathering may take place near the main Embassy gate.  An increased police and security presence around the Embassy compound is expected.

Spontaneous and planned demonstrations take place in Kuwait from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  At times, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  Please avoid the areas of demonstrations and exercise caution if within the vicinity of any large gatherings.  Please stay current with media coverage of local events, be aware of your surroundings, and practice personal security awareness at all times.

U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at the following website:https://travelregistration.state.gov. U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at their destination.  By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.

Updated information on travel and security may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  

 For further information, please consult the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov where the Worldwide Caution and Country Specific Information can be found.  In addition, the Embassy encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad," which includes valuable security information for those traveling or living in foreign countries.  You can also follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and on Facebook.

The U.S. Embassy is located at Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa Street, Block 6, Plot 14, Bayan, Kuwait.  If you are a U.S. citizen in need of emergency assistance in Kuwait, you may reach the U.S. Embassy by calling +965-2259-1001 and requesting the duty officer.

U.S. citizens in Kuwait who would like to receive future Emergency and Informational Messages from the Embassy directly by e-mail may sign up for this service by sending an e-mail to the following address: join-wardenmessagekuwait@mh.databack.com

This message may be accessed on the Embassy website, http://kuwait.usembassy.gov
Please note that the Consular Section is closed for U.S. and most local holidays.  The current holiday schedule for 2011 is posted on http://kuwait.usembassy.gov/holidays.html.

Warning to American Citizens in Kuwait

Kuwait City, Kuwait
October 4, 2011

Emergency Message for U.S Citizens

Subject:       Possible Rally on Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Please circulate the following message without additions or omissions immediately to all U.S.  citizens within your area of responsibility.

An anti-corruption rally may take place in the early evening hours at Determination Square opposite the National Assembly on Wednesday, October 5 in downtown Kuwait City.  An increased police and security presence is expected in and around the capital.

Spontaneous and planned demonstrations take place in Kuwait from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  At times, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  Do not let curiosity get the best of you; avoid the areas of demonstrations and exercise caution if within the vicinity of any large gatherings.  Please stay current with media coverage of local events, be aware of your surroundings, and practice personal security awareness at all times.

U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at the following website: https://travelregistration.state.gov. U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at their  destination.  By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.  Updated information on travel and security may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States
and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  For further information, please consult the Worldwide Caution and other consular information, including Country Specific Information, for specific countries.  These products and the latest international travel information for U.S. citizens are available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov.

The U.S. Embassy is located at Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa Street, Block 6, Plot 14, Bayan, Kuwait.  If you are a U.S. citizen in need of emergency assistance in Kuwait, you may reach the U.S. Embassy by calling +965-2259-1001 and requesting the duty officer.

U.S. citizens in Kuwait who would like to receive future Warden Messages from the Embassy directly by e-mail may sign up for this service by sending an e-mail to the following address: join-wardenmessagekuwait@mh.databack.com

This message may be accessed on the Embassy website, http://kuwait.usembassy.gov Please note that the Consular Section is closed for U.S. and most local holidays.  The current holiday schedule for 2011 is posted on http://kuwait.usembassy.gov/holidays.html.