‘Nine individuals were seriously injured, with two of them admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of Mubarak Hospital, during clashes among over 150 Arab nationals from the Salmiya and Hawalli zones. The mob attacked each other with knives and other sharp weapons, inside a famous commercial complex in Salmiya.” (Arab Times May 1, 2010).

This is not the first time that reckless “foreign” individuals commit such anti-social behavior as knives fights. What is reckless and in fact  disturbing is that those Arab nationals’ behavior will definitely have greater consequences. Being a foreigner in any country carries with it more obligations to respect and abide by the laws of the host country.

Therefore, it is logical to assume that a foreign individual will put himself/herself in a precarious and vulnerable position if they intentionally break the laws of their host country. In the case of the 150 fighting Arab nationals, it is quite baffling how such people harm through their violent behavior the lives of their loved ones and families. The outcome of such criminal behavior is going to be either being sent to jail or deported or both!

Any law-abiding, hardworking expat realizes that following the rules and regulations, maintaining social peace will usually guarantee, for all, harmonious and prosperous living in Kuwait. Therefore, the violent actions of those Arab nationals will subject them and their families’ too under uncertain conditions. In other words, we continue to live in the Middle East where negative generalizations, stereotyping are part of the general psyche. Moreover, in addition to tainting the image of their countries, expats who involve in fights will get deported.

They will lose the chance of ever enjoying the many blessings of Kuwait!
It is a bit ironic that someone who works and lives in Kuwait would contribute negatively in our environment. We know of course that we are not perfect, yet we also know that Kuwait offers its expats numerous opportunities for greater financial independence and prosperity. Those knives and sharp weapons-fighting Arab nationals remind one of what usually happen when one loses their moral compass. The outcome of any reckless behavior will always bring with it negative outcomes. Furthermore, we as Kuwaitis already have enough on our hands to tolerate foreigners fighting each other on our national soil !

 khaledaljenfawi@yahoo.com