Some of us did not make it to see another sunrise or sunset...

"Some of us did not make it to see another sunrise or sunset... You survived... Be happy.  Be grateful. Live and let live. COEXIST."

text and collage by Layza Quintz

Demonstrations in Kuwait – October 21, 2012

Subject:           Security Notice for U.S. Citizens 13-2012

Demonstrations in Kuwait – October 21, 2012

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

According to press reports, there will be demonstrations in multiple locations and a march towards the Seif Palace dubbed “National Dignity March” this evening starting at approximately 1930 hours, Sunday, October 21, in downtown Kuwait City.  An increased police and security presence is expected in and around the capital.  The Ministry of Interior states the demonstrations and National Dignity March are unauthorized and that they will respond to participants according to the law.

Spontaneous and/or 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.  Avoid areas of demonstrations and exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.  Please stay current with media coverage of local and regional events. U.S. Mission personnel have been advised to continue to practice personal security awareness and we advise the U.S. citizen community to do the same.

The below Arabic language map, obtained from the internet, purports to indicate where the organizers intend to demonstrate and march.  The map has been translated to English.

U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at the following website: https://step.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. 

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 2012 is posted onhttp://kuwait.usembassy.gov/holidays.html.

This email is UNCLASSIFIED.

rumors of violent clashes in Kuwait tonight...

Hearing rumors of violent clashes taking place between protesters and special forces in Erada Square, Kuwait tonight, "Clashes were happening... and protesters were throwing barricades and shoes on the special forces."

Two Journalists From The Al-Qabas And Al-Shahed Dailies Were Reportedly Involved In Hand To Hand Fight While Covering The Sit-In At Al-Erada Square, KUWAIT CITY, Sept 11, 2012

My heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to the Sikh community of Wisconsin...

My heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to the Sikh community of Wisconsin... very sad day... I may be half way around the world but I am with you in spirit...

Chinese Police Fire on Tibetan Protesters Again...

These sure look like Stormtroppers or the soldiers-for-hire in Avatar (ironically the highest grossing movie in Chinese movie history). Image from http://www.sftuk.org/join-mass-lobby/  with the caption: Today, Tibet’s streets are filled with troops, maintaining a state of fear.  

Deadly Clashes Spread in Tibetan Areas of China

By KEITH BRADSHER and RICK GLADSTONE (NYT)

Deadly showdowns between Chinese security forces and Tibetans in a restive region of western China spread to a second town on Tuesday, outside advocacy groups reported. 

Chinese Police Fire on Tibetan Protesters Again

By KEITH BRADSHER (NYT)

The latest episode was the third of its kind this week, activist groups say.

Teaching Tibetan Ways, School in China Is Unlikely Wonder

By DAN LEVIN (NYT)

Far from the eyes of Beijing technocrats, students learn to write Tibetan and get their first formal introduction to a history, culture and religion that many call embattled. 

  

Ai Weiwei still missing after being detained by Chinese police on April 3, 2011

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  Ai Weiwei - The 2011 TIME 100 Poll - TIME

  Source: time.com

Chinese Army Unhappy Over Ai Weiwei ‘Flash Graffiti’ — ANIMAL

animalnewyork.com

As if Chinese authorities weren’t angered enough by the rash of pro-Ai Weiwei stencils popping up all over Hong Kong, someone is now projecting the same message on unauthorized locations around the city, including the barracks of the People’s Liberation Army.

Who's Afraid of Ai Weiwei? - Video | FRONTLINE | PBS

He's China's first global art star who is using his fame to push the boundaries of freedom in that country. Can an artist change China? www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/ai-wei-wei/ 

Anti-American Violence Travel Alert

Kuwait City, Kuwait
May 2, 2011

MEMORANDUM
To:             All American Wardens
From:           Consular Section
Subject:        Warden Notice 2011 – 10

Please circulate the following message without additions or omissions immediately to all American citizens within your area of responsibility.
The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad to the enhanced potential for anti-American violence following recent counter-terrorism activity in Pakistan.  Given the uncertainty and volatility of the current situation, U.S. citizens in areas where recent events could cause anti-American violence are strongly urged to limit their travel outside of their homes and hotels and avoid mass gatherings and demonstrations.  U.S.
citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.  This Travel Alert expires August 1, 2011.

U.S. Embassy operations in affected areas will continue to the extent possible under the constraints of any evolving security situation.  U.S. government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert.  These facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture.  In those instances, U.S. Embassies and Consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens.  U.S. citizens abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Media coverage of local events may cause family and friends to become concerned for their loved ones traveling and residing abroad.  We urge U.S. citizens to keep in regular contact with family and friends.  U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), to receive the latest travel updates and information and to obtain updated information on travel and security issues.  U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to
contact them in case of emergency.

Travel information is also available at www.travel.state.gov.   Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained 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 information on "What the Department of State Can and Can't Do in a Crisis," please visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs' website at www.travel.state.gov.  For further information on specific countries, U.S. citizens should consult the Country Specific Information pages, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings at www.travel.state.gov as well as the Worldwide Caution.  Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs' page on Facebook as well.

This message may be accessed on the Embassy website, http://kuwait.usembassy.gov American 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. American citizens resident and visiting in Kuwait who are not registered with the Embassy, or whose registration information has changed, are urged to register as soon as possible.  They may now do so on-line at the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/home.asp
Please note that the Consular Section is closed for American and most local holidays.  The current holiday schedule for year 2011 will be posted on http://kuwait.usembassy.gov/holidays.html

Is a cartoon worth 200+ lives?

New Chapter In Flap Over 2005 Muhammad Cartoons

by Diane Orson

October 26, 2009 from WNPR

When a Danish newspaper published cartoons in 2005 depicting the Prophet Muhammad, it caused riots around the world and some 200 people were killed.

Yale University Press has published a new book about the controversy, called The Cartoons That Shook the World. But the book has sparked a controversy of its own.

About a dozen Yale University students recently protested a visit by Danish cartoonist Kurt Westergaard, who drew the now-iconic image of Muhammad wearing a lit bomb in his turban with the creed of Islam written in Arabic on the wrappings.

Westergaard says the right to free speech includes expressing ideas that people may not want to hear.

"For some people, I am a kind of provocation, but I can live with that," said Westergaard. "I go for the dialogue, but it is not very easy. I have tried to speak with many Muslims, and often the conversation has ended up a curse. You know, 'go to hell and burn up.' And I have asked, 'Perhaps we could talk in hell?'"

Committee Deems Cartoons Inappropriate

Jytte Klausen is a politics professor at Brandeis University. She was in the Middle East at the time of the cartoon controversy, interviewing Muslim leaders for another project. She signed a deal with Yale University Press to write an academic book unraveling the events that led to the violence.

In doing her research, Klausen found out that imams and activists in Denmark exploited the cartoons to incite Muslims around the world. She also learned that the demonstrations which followed were sponsored in part by radical Islamists, and in part by governments, including those of Iran and Syria.

In Depth

Yemeni Journalists On Trial For Republishing Cartoons March 24, 2006

The Muhammad Cartoons: A Mideast Perspective Feb. 11, 2006

Muslim Society Official Explains Mission Against Cartoons Feb. 8, 2006

Violent Backlash Persists Over Muhammad Cartoons Feb. 6, 2006

"The Egyptian government and the Turkish government were extremely instrumental in pushing forward the conflict," said Klausen. "They primarily wanted to put on record with the United Nations that Europeans and Westerners discriminate against Muslims and are Islamophobic."

Klausen, who's Danish, spent three years researching the book. The manuscript went through the usual academic peer review process.

Then, just a few weeks before publication, Yale University, which owns the Yale Press, mounted a second review. The university asked some 20 scholars, counterterrorism officials and national security experts to asses the risk of more violence if copies of the cartoons were included in the book.

"It was fairly overwhelming that the people who knew the most about this kind of situation said 'Don't do it,' that this was likely to provoke violence," Yale Press director John Donatich said.

One of the experts giving the book a second review was former Director of National Intelligence John Negroponte.

"I felt that there was a considerable risk that more violence, possibly even resulting in serious injury or death, could occur as a result of the publication of these images," said Negroponte.

The university told Yale Press to eliminate the cartoons from the book, along with all other images of Muhammad. And Klausen was told she'd have to sign a nondisclosure agreement if she wanted to read the experts' comments. She declined to do so. But she says she was even more dismayed to learn that the panel had not read her book.

People don't see this the same way they would see a swastika or they would see the N-word. They see bigotry against Muslims in a separate category as they see bigotry against other races or religions.

- Fatima Ghani, Yale University student

"My first reaction was that it was stunningly similar to what happened during the conflict itself," said Klausen. "I disagreed with the experts' advice. I felt that had the experts read my book, they would not have given the advice they produced."

Even so, Klausen decided to publish with Yale Press.

Mixed Opinions

Tarek Masoud, of Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, says both sides were grappling with sensitivity to Muslims and Islamic culture. On one hand, Yale didn't want to offend Muslims by reprinting the images.

"But I would also argue that Professor Klausen is coming from a similar place as well, and her belief that you can publish the cartoons without inciting violence," said Masoud. "That Muslims are not really these excitable people who are irrationally given over to violence and anger."

Back on campus, Yale student Fatima Ghani says she's glad Yale Press took the cartoons out of the book. She says they're not an expression of free speech, but of hate speech.

"People don't see this the same way they would see a swastika or they would see the N-word," said Ghani. "They see bigotry against Muslims in a separate category as they see bigotry against other races or religions."

But critics from the American Association of University Professors to the PEN American Center have opposed Yale's decision to publish a scholarly book without including images of the very subject the book covers. Some people charge that the University is concerned with its image in the Middle East and future fundraising prospects.

Klausen says Yale overreacted.

"I cannot recall any similar instance where anticipatory fear of adverse consequences to Yale University private interests or perhaps more general public interests have ever influenced how a book is presented and how a scholarly debate can proceed," said Klausen.

Klausen hopes that a later edition of the book may include the cartoons. In the meantime, she's begun thinking about another project, a look at the impact of national security on the world of academic publishing.

Original article can be found here:

New Chapter In Flap Over 2005 Muhammad Cartoons