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Bahrain Updates #1 [Tuesday, March 15, 2011]: Update on the situation in Bahrain Date: 05/06/2011 03:27:06 PM

by Courtesy

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Colin S. Cavell, Ph.D. <ccavell@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Mar 15, 2011 at 7:28 AM
Subject: Update on the situation in Bahrain…
To: "Colin S. Cavell, Ph.D. @ GMail" <ccavell@gmail.com>

Folks,
One of my contacts in Bahrain writes the following to me today:
They started killing people from Asian ethnicity in Manama. Workers who live in the margins of Bahrain are being killed cruelly. There are checkpoints in all parts of Bahrain. They are held by residences. This is not from watching state TV. I have encountered these things and managed to run away. I am trying to find a way to get a revolver for self defence. They got into the workplaces at diplomatic area and forced the workers to get out of the buildings. Large parts of the protesters have lost their minds. The rest is just there and watching.
And below is one of the latest updates I've received this morning from an American in Bahrain. I've removed some information to protect the security of the sender.
csc

__________________
Colin S. Cavell, Ph.D.

P.O. Box 9087
Seattle, WA 98109

———- Forwarded message ———-

Date: Tue, Mar 15, 2011 at 4:30 AM
Subject: Fwd: PLEASE READ: Travel Warning Bahrain
We are waiting to hear whether we will be evacuated in the next few hours and have been advised to pack. I've heard guns and tear gas employed in my neighborhood of [redacted], where supposedly most of the 2,000 Saudis are to guard palaces and other vips' homes (we're interspersed with poorer villages though). [redacted] had to go out a little bit for water today, even though [redacted] bans it, and saw a lot of the rogue militias , covered faces, and guns, with checkpoints (these are pro-govt supporters or mercenaries, Saudi national guard, who were here even before the troops came, and regular armed thugs). We're not scared of the protesters at all, though we haven't seen as many of them around today as yesterday (they're armed now, in self-defense, finally).

[redacted] Al-Jazeera's GCC reportage.. it's been pretty shameful, even with obvious allowances for Japan and Libya considered. They clearly have an agreement (and they've sent 500 troops). We've had to watch Iran's Press TV.
We were planning on going to the [redacted] on our own volition, tonight, but were advised to stay off the roads, plus [redacted] to stay in our homes. So, we might just be waiting for [redacted]. Really not sure whether [redacted] to clear out or not; it could go either way. But, one of the [redacted] is being told [redacted] probably won't be able to get back in the country for a while.
Oh, also: it sounds like Manama's a lot more normal , right now, though friends have seen the same miles-long rushes on ATMs, Petrol Stations, and supply-stores. Also, we are waiting to hear from [redacted] on whether or not they will be sending home all dependents and non-essential staff. They're currently having [redacted] meeting.
I sincerely do not feel unsafe, but, this is being called a foreign occupation, there are denouncements, and a lot of students are writing about martyrdom. As always, it's hard to separate the rhetoric from the likely future consequences. We'll stick with the [redacted] plan, but even aside from that, we have many, many offers for help from well-connected Bahrainis, Saudis, and Kuwaitis on all sides of this–will wait to hear [redacted] and will let you know [redacted]..
[redacted]
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Date: Tue, Mar 15, 2011 at 10:14 AM
Subject: PLEASE READ: Travel Warning Bahrain

I will be in touch with all of you today to discuss moving forward. PLEASE stay safe.

For travel information, call 888-407-4747.

Internet Address: http://travel.state.gov

Travel Warning

United States Department of State

Bureau of Consular Affairs

Washington, DC 20520

Bahrain

March 14, 2011

The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the potential for ongoing political and civil unrest in Bahrain. We urge U.S. citizens to defer travel to Bahrain at this time. U.S. citizens currently in Bahrain should consider departing. On March 14, 2011, the Department of State authorized the voluntary departure from Bahrain of eligible family members of U.S. Embassy staff. This Travel Warning replaces the Travel Alert dated February 18, 2011.

Bahrain has experienced a breakdown in law and order in various areas of the country over the last few weeks. Demonstrations have degenerated into violent clashes between police and protesters on several occasions, resulting in injuries. There also have been multiple reports of sectarian groups patrolling areas throughout Bahrain and establishing unofficial vehicle checkpoints. On March 14, 2011, foreign military elements entered Bahrain. Spontaneous demonstrations and violence can be expected throughout the country. There is no indication that U.S. citizens are being threatened or targeted.

While demonstrations have not been directed toward Westerners, U.S. citizens are urged to remain alert to local security developments and to be vigilant regarding their personal security. The U.S. Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid all demonstrations, as even peaceful ones can quickly become unruly and a foreigner could become a target of harassment or worse.

The U.S. Embassy in Manama can be reached at (973) 1724-2700; the after-hours emergency number is (973) 1724-2957; the fax number is (973) 1725-6242. Demonstration Notices can be found on the Embassy’s website. U.S. citizens requiring emergency consular assistance may contact the Department via our website by going to the “Middle East and North Africa Situation” site.

U.S. citizens in Bahrain are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.

Updated information on travel and security in Bahrain 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, on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information, please consult the Country Specific Information for Bahrain, as well as the Worldwide Caution.

Shana L. Kieran

Deputy Public Affairs Officer

Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain

+973 1724 2867

Work week is Sunday-Thursday

Manama is 7 hours ahead of Washington, D.C.

This email is UNCLASSIFIED.