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CNN Saturday Morning News
State Department Says Increased Security Risk For U.S. Citizens In Kuwait
Aired February 01, 2003 - 07:15 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: The U.S. State Department is asking U.S. citizens in Kuwait to closely consider the increased security risk of staying in the region and is warning of possible terrorist threats. With war looming just next door, many Kuwaitis and Iraqis will be trapped in the region. But Americans there have the option to leave.
Now, Martin Savidge has more on how some people are dealing with the uncertainty.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): At opening day of the Kuwaiti Little League, moms and dads still watch from the stands and coaches still pep up their players, mostly Kuwaiti and American kids.
But things are changing for Americans living and working here. Despite the clear blue sky, there is a growing cloud of concern hanging over the diamonds.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We've been talking about it and thinking about it. I have some reservations made. You know, I -- they can be changed.
SAVIDGE: About half the Americans you talk with say they plan to leave. The rest say they are seriously thinking about it, motivated by the same thing that drives them to the game, their children.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I just feel like it's probably time for us now, if it's being recommended and they're asking us to consider it, I'm going to do what my country asks me to do.
SAVIDGE: A State Department warning this week to Americans in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, suggesting they should get out of the region, wasn't the last straw. For most, that came almost two weeks earlier, the murder of one U.S. civilian contractor and wounding of another in an attack allegedly by a Kuwaiti gunman.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You know, the last event, you know, is -- gets you questioning.
SAVIDGE: It isn't the growing possibility of war that worries them but the terrorist attacks that may increase along with U.S. military presence in Kuwait. And leaving isn't easy. Kids have to pull out from school, some of them in their senior year. Friends and even spouses will be left behind.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We've been telling everybody, you know, that you need -- you got to make your own personal decision, you know. You decide to go when it's right for you. And well, that's what we've been talking about, and we're -- she's got reservations for, you know, Wednesday.
SAVIDGE: Even as the U.S. ambassador was running the pitching machine, the embassy was preparing to send nonessential employees home.
The baseball season itself is in jeopardy. Coaches have already seen team rosters dwindle as families leave.
Opening day may soon be followed by closing day, as many U.S. players and their families round third and head for home.
Martin Savidge, CNN, Kuwait.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Citizens In Kuwait>
Aired February 1, 2003 - 07:15 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: The U.S. State Department is asking U.S. citizens in Kuwait to closely consider the increased security risk of staying in the region and is warning of possible terrorist threats. With war looming just next door, many Kuwaitis and Iraqis will be trapped in the region. But Americans there have the option to leave.
Now, Martin Savidge has more on how some people are dealing with the uncertainty.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): At opening day of the Kuwaiti Little League, moms and dads still watch from the stands and coaches still pep up their players, mostly Kuwaiti and American kids.
But things are changing for Americans living and working here. Despite the clear blue sky, there is a growing cloud of concern hanging over the diamonds.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We've been talking about it and thinking about it. I have some reservations made. You know, I -- they can be changed.
SAVIDGE: About half the Americans you talk with say they plan to leave. The rest say they are seriously thinking about it, motivated by the same thing that drives them to the game, their children.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I just feel like it's probably time for us now, if it's being recommended and they're asking us to consider it, I'm going to do what my country asks me to do.
SAVIDGE: A State Department warning this week to Americans in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, suggesting they should get out of the region, wasn't the last straw. For most, that came almost two weeks earlier, the murder of one U.S. civilian contractor and wounding of another in an attack allegedly by a Kuwaiti gunman.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You know, the last event, you know, is -- gets you questioning.
SAVIDGE: It isn't the growing possibility of war that worries them but the terrorist attacks that may increase along with U.S. military presence in Kuwait. And leaving isn't easy. Kids have to pull out from school, some of them in their senior year. Friends and even spouses will be left behind.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We've been telling everybody, you know, that you need -- you got to make your own personal decision, you know. You decide to go when it's right for you. And well, that's what we've been talking about, and we're -- she's got reservations for, you know, Wednesday.
SAVIDGE: Even as the U.S. ambassador was running the pitching machine, the embassy was preparing to send nonessential employees home.
The baseball season itself is in jeopardy. Coaches have already seen team rosters dwindle as families leave.
Opening day may soon be followed by closing day, as many U.S. players and their families round third and head for home.
Martin Savidge, CNN, Kuwait.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Citizens In Kuwait>
