Posted on 02/02/2009 12:33:34 PM PST by KeyLargo
UAE is a far different place than Iran. Iran probably hates UAE as much as they do the US. I did some disaster training in Abu Dhabi, and it was fantastic. Lots of money, very Americanized. The people I met there were very pro-American.
Thanks Ga Medic. I guess it’s somewhat paranoid of me, but I don’t honestly trust any nation in the Middle-East. My reasoning is that even our friends can get subverted, or become a willing/unwilling pawn.
Saudi Arabia’s government has been quite moderate toward the United States. None the less, nineteen of their nationals attacked our World Trade Center, brought it down, and every nearly killed 50,000 plus citizens. As it is they managed to kill 3,000.
I’m just not a very broad minded individual when it comes to risk.
Well I think we all want to protect our families and our country. Most of the middle east is openly hostile towards America and sometimes Americans. Caution is never a bad idea in the ME.
UAE and Turkey are the exceptions, and both are very pro-American. UAE is a great place, and they have been a good friend to the US. Dubai is a beautiful city, and I would encourage anyone to visit if they have the opportunity. I have spent time in Saudi Arabia also, and there is a much different feel to the people and culture there. very intimidating IMO. The government may be moderate towards the US, but the people weren’t . They didn’t like us, or at best, they ignored us.
I’ve not been there, but my perceptions are very close to your descriptions. Thanks for the additional comments.
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