JUBAIL, 22 March 2003 — On Thursday night, as the bombs began falling on Baghdad, traffic was thin on the 100 km drive from Alkhobar to Jubail. Along the route to the industrial city there were several checkpoints illuminated with mobile halogen lights.
The most active checkpoint was the one on the approach to the US Consulate at Dhahran. Five police cruisers stood at the roadside there and officers were not only requesting identification from both drivers and passengers, plus vehicle registration, but also searching vehicle interiors and cargo areas.
In Jubail, the security presence was ubiquitous, with police cars on the roadside at several locations, their alert lights flashing.
The busiest place in Jubail appeared to be one of the major hotels. The parking lot was full and both Saudis and expatriates were sitting in the hotel lobby enjoying hot drinks.
“Tonight we are hosting a meeting and dinner for more than 100 people and we also have a small wedding celebration for 75 ladies,” the duty manager said. “We have had some cancellations and postponements, but we also have many other groups over the next week who are going ahead with their scheduled activities.”
Several South Asian expatriates who came out to the hotel for the evening were taking the Iraqi crisis in their stride.
“In Jubail, people are comparing the current crisis with the last Gulf War. But this time the action is far away,” remarked Muhammad Yousuf, an engineer. “Until yesterday people were not even making emergency plans. We all are still hopeful that the violence will stop quickly. I personally know of no families who have left Jubail as a reaction to the war.”
Other expatriates agreed with Yousuf’s assessment. “This time around people are relaxed,” said Janaki Prasad Pattanaik. “Yes, there is concern, but people are looking at the situation as a political move, not a war.”
“We also know that we are in a safe place,” added Jameela Kaleem. “It’s not like we’re living in Kuwait.”
With several schools closed for the spring break, many children are staying at home. This is creating a challenge for their mothers. “We don’t think the war should have happened and we feel quite bad for the Iraqi people,” A. Sherma said. “My children are home now and watching television. My son is asking questions. He can’t understand what’s happening and it’s difficult for me to explain it.”
Reassurance and routine are important in keeping youngsters calm.
“I am quite confident that we will be fine,” said Roqsana Sadthullah. “I am doing my best to ensure that life goes on normally for my family. My children understand the situation, but they are not overly concerned because I do not let them dwell on it.”
While things appeared normal on the surface, there were some expatriates who spoke about their bitterness at perceived US arrogance. One Indian said he sometimes had bad thoughts about the American president, but that then he always prayed to God to give him strength “to behave better than Bush.” Reacting to that sentiment, Farrukh Siddique, a senior project engineer, said: “People feel terrible about the war. The situation is terrible and the Muslim community is very depressed. We are participating in normal activities but inside we are disturbed.”
