Innsbruck - here despite it never being on my to-see list

In terms of changing values in the Middle East, Valentine’s Day is far more controversial than Christmas. Christmas is accepted as a religious holiday for many people all over the world. Valentine’s Day is seen as a purely Western concept and one that is a dangerous influence on young people. India seems to be where the battle is being fought the most, which is unusual considering Hindu has been a far more tolerant religion than Islam on these things. Kuwait has a more balanced view. If the shop keepers can make money, they’re all for it.

The front page of the Kuwait times has red hearts and roses, and a Valentine Bear on the cover with a Happy Valentine’s day message to the readers. The number of men and women wearing red today is almost as bad as the wearing of the green on St. Patrick’s Day. Valentine’s hearts are worn as a symbol of new beliefs and acceptance by the young but I also observed a gray haired gentleman wearing a red scarf today. The shops are doing a brisk business selling heart shaped balloons and teddy bears. That’s Kuwait. Considering that before the Gulf War, none of this would have even been possible, they’ve come a long way in a short time. For better or worse, credit goes to the US Army and indirect influence over the country.

The culture gap is wide even with the change. In the mall, the restroom attendants are the poorest and most uneducated people from other countries. The attendant hides behind the door, obscured to all by the door, the mop, and her veil. It must be a sad life to remain so invisible. The rich walk the mall in their latest fashion trends, whether it’s the most expensive robe and scarf, or the latest shock value of tight jeans with stiletto boots. While bare skin is still rare to see, women are wearing the most skin tight outfits that I’ve ever seen. Well there’s not much to be said for that but people need to be free even when the outfits aren’t that flattering. Kuwait has discovered Super Size.

Let’s go to today’s police report.

An Afghani was given the death sentence for smuggling in 32kg of heroin into Kuwait. The heroin was hidden inside rolled carpets.

A Kuwaiti man died of a drug overdose. The drug was not named.

The Coast Guard arrested 3 men for participating in a drug run from Iran.

Heroin was seized from a man who was driving under the influence.

At least 4-5 deaths are reported on the major city roads each day as people drive fairly bad here.

Back to regional news. While Kuwait promotes women’s right and accomplishments, the big debate is the Saudi government opening the door for women to be allowed to drive. The whole issue is now in the hands of the women. If enough of them speak up for the right, it will happen. The next year will be critical for this. The time is here for the Saudi women and even the religious police have been quiet on this issue.

Iran’s president is just out of control. The perception is that the US is going to invade Iran. All I can say is our Vice President and the White House are too busy fending off reporters right now to deal with Iran. What can we say? American’s love guns. Fahrenheit 911 will soon have a special edition.