This morning a friend of mine and I were discussing standards. And how if we have them, and set them high, do we end up with people in our lives who just don't meet them?

We have it all figured out!

People enter other's lives with their "A Game". Doing and saying all the right things. Presenting themselves as someone they're really probably not. Encountering someone who presents themselves exactly as is isn't something that happens too often. However, I do believe those people exist. When I meet people I generally try to be as honest as possible with the whole rundown of, "I really should warn you I am not an easy person to always get along with. I am selfish at times, self centered the others, and highly doubt that's going to change anytime soon. I will always respect you, but please know there are two sets of rules -- those for you and those for me." Of course this is more than likely seen as cute, adorable, and challenging to some. It's simply reality to me. Take it or leave it. At least it's the truth.

Then, of course, you have the typical A Gamer -- enter players! Same or opposite sex. This isn't about intimate relationships, but relationships we develop on a daily basis, whether it be friends, lovers, etc.

They come in with all the right things. All the common bonds and interests. All the magical words of intrigue and excitement. You begin to view this person as someone you share something in common with. You start to respect this person, admire them, and allow them into your life. This is either the girlfriend you have lunch, coffee, and shoe shopping with every day. Or the man (if you're a woman), who says all the right things, does all the right things, and squeezes his way into your emotions. This is someone who seems to live up to the standards you have set for yourself and what you're willing to accept as someone in your life.

Poof!

They change. Slowly but surely.

Suddenly the daily lunches, or nightly phone calls just aren't there anymore. Without notice. At first you think maybe this friend isn't feeling well, or perhaps you've done something wrong. After confronting them with it you realize it's neither. It's just the real them coming out. A Game is rapidly going away. However, as a friend you continue to hang around, figuring this is just a 'phase' or a bad day. Certainly the friend will return and become the person they were initially.

Wrong!

Here's where we lower our standards without even realizing it. We get used to that person being around. We enjoy their company. They have managed to become a part of our day and our routine. Why would we want to lose that? So we accept that perhaps the friend has become comfortable, and obviously a few things are going to change. We lower the standards and accept this 'new' friend.

Until... it happens again, and again, and again.

It's at this point we have to step back and review the A Gamer. We have to look around and see if we even see our friend we once knew anymore -- or if the 'new' friend is the reality of the situation.

So then you ask yourself -- had you met the 'new' friend instead of the A Gamer, would you have even liked them? Are they worthy of your Cinnabon? Chances are -- the answer is NO. However, how can we ever be certain? Perhaps if this person had initially presented the 'new' friend as opposed to the A Gamer, you would have accepted this to begin with -- not having expectations. It would have been a situation built on honesty and fact. Not fraud.

In the end, when you finally realize you're not willing to lower your standards any further to accommodate this person -- you're blamed. Told you're not a real friend or you would have 'accepted' this behavior. Huh? Accepted lies and betrayal? For how long? Forever? And realistically, how on earth can we 'accept' this person when we don't really have a clue who they are since they seem to change on a daily basis. Today we accept we're not as important as they lead us to believe, and tomorrow we accept we don't even know their name?! I think not.

Standards -- they should never waver. Set them, stand by them, live them. Never ever look back. Never question decisions you make. And never accept the ever changing A Gamer.

Seven Charged With Terrorist Counts in North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. _ To those they lived among, seven men accused of an intricate terrorism plot lived simply, quietly and kindly.

To neighbors and friends, Daniel Boyd was a father who stopped his work at noon each day for prayer. Dylan Boyd, Daniel's son, was a college student at North Carolina State University who until last year worked as a clinical services tech at Wake Med Hospital in Raleigh. Mohammad Omar Aly Hassan was a newlywed whose father owns a Raleigh car dealership.

To federal authorities, these men and four others plotted to kill themselves and others in the name of their religion. Their activities, tracked by FBI agents over three years and detailed in federal indictments released Monday, tell of an elaborate scheme hatched in a quiet Johnston County neighborhood and non-descript apartment complexes across Raleigh and Cary.

Those arrested include Daniel Patrick Boyd, 39, who was considered the ringleader of the group, and who fought with Afghan Muslims against the Soviets; Hysen Sherifi, 24; Anes Subasic, 33; Zakariya Boyd, 20; Dylan Boyd, 22; Mohammad Omar Aly Hassan, 22; and Ziyad Yaghi, 21.

All but one of the defendants were American citizens. Sherifi was a native of Kosovo and was living in the United States legally.

All seven men are charged with conspiring to provide support to terrorists and conspiring to murder, kidnap, maim and injure persons abroad. Each is expected to have a detention hearing later this week. Until then, they are being held without bond. They have not been appointed lawyers. Efforts to reach their families were unsuccessful Monday night.

Federal authorities stormed the 'defendants' homes Monday and arrested the men. Hours later, they stood before a federal magistrate and learned they could spend the rest of their lives in prison if found guilty of the charges against them. At nightfall, federal agents continued to search their homes, bringing several vans and dozens of agents to their quiet neighborhoods.

News of their arrests rattled those they had befriended.

"If he's a terrorist, he's the nicest terrorist I've ever met in my life," said Charles Casale, a neighbor to Boyd and his sons who often chatted with them. Casale said the senior Boyd often invited him and his wife to visit. When the two chatted near the pond that separated their properties, Boyd would excuse himself to pray when the sun reached its noon-day height.

Federal documents released Monday detail a half-dozen trips members of the group made to Israel and Pakistan. Investigators believe the men meant to wage a violent jihad, killing themselves and others in bombings meant to defend Muslims from oppression. All failed, for reasons not specified in federal documents.

Investigators say the Boyds stockpiled military-style weapons and trained at a rural property in Caswell County, on the Virginia border north of Alamance and Orange counties. They say Daniel Boyd split from his mainstream mosque in Raleigh this year over "ideological differences," according to the indictment.

A spokesman at the Islamic Center in Raleigh said he did not know these defendants, among an estimated 1,200 people who attend Friday services there. Hassan and Yaghi both attended Al-Iman School, which shares space with the Raleigh mosque, according to former teacher Samar Hindi. Most recently, Daniel Boyd had been attending Jamaat Ibad Ar-Rahman, a mosque in Durham.

"In our dealings, we found them to be people of good moral character," said Hisham Heda, board chairman at the Durham mosque.

Federal officials heralded the arrests as a victory and invoked memories of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

"These charges hammer home the point that terrorists and their supporters are not confined to the remote regions of some faraway land but can grow and fester right here at home," said George E.B. Holding, United States attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina. "Terrorists and their supporters are relentless and constant in their efforts to hurt and kill innocent people across the globe."

 

This morning started off pretty much like the rest of them. Wake up, gym, shower, get ready for work, Starbucks (Iced Venti No Whip Mocha by the way -- in case you're buying), and read the Arab Times online. Yes, this is the slightly skewed newspaper with limited information, but I like the spin factor, and enjoy reading what they have to offer. Almost like tabloid news, but with a little more fact, just less detail.

While reading about some American woman who stayed in a local hotel for 2 weeks here in Kuwait, and departed without paying her bill, I was shocked. Americans aren't always so great about keeping up with their finances, and we're all guilty of being semi late on something at some point in time. But to stay at a hotel for 2 weeks, and consistently tell fabricated stories about why you're not paying, and then to check out is just outright pathetic in my opinion. I am a firm believer I am a representative of my country, regardless of where I travel. I am on my best behavior at all times (other than calling red and gold buildings ugly). I am respectful, kind, and understanding of the culture. This isn't something special, this is typical common decency. I am ashamed this woman felt it was acceptable to leave her debt behind, and would love to know which hotel this took place at.

Now on to the main event... betrayal on other levels.

Every day we encounter new individuals. Some we get to know on a more personal level, others we just smile at in passing. Either way, trust plays some role big or small in the majority of our human interactions. I mean, I trust the Starbucks employees are going to make my coffee accurately, and without added bodily fluids. Silly example, but you get the point.

In the article below, disrespect and betrayal of trust are outlined in the most severe form. Kuwait already has many barriers when it comes to men and women interacting. And generally women are the ones who are labled 'bad' when doing things others consider perfectly normal. Men don't have the same fears and concerns as women in this country -- that's just the life in Kuwait. So when men and women do become friends, it's only natural she's going to trust him, depend on him, and feel a sense of security with him as a 'protective' figure on some level. Unfortunately, the young woman in the article below didn't experience this. Instead, she experienced a man who disregarded her feelings as if she had none. Treated her like an object he could purchase at the store. And certainly caused her great emotional pain. How is this woman ever expected to trust again? How can she ever meet a man and believe one word he tells her? Shame on this man for stealing this woman's trust, and shame on him for trying to profit off of her vulnerabilities.

Friend or foe?; Rape & ransom

KUWAIT CITY, July 27: Police have arrested a bedoun youth for kidnapping and raping an unidentified young woman inside an apartment in Al-Shaab, reports Al-Rai daily. The suspect was arrested after he made a telephone call to the woman’s family asking for ransom to free the woman. The family reported the incident to police and securitymen identified the location of the call, got a warrant from the Public Prosecution, raided the apartment and set the woman free. During interrogation the woman said the youth befriended her and after they became good friends he threatened to spoil her name because he had taken their pictures together. He then reportedly asked her to meet him in Abu Halifa and from there he drove with her to an apartment in Al-Shaab where he had sex with her before calling the family. The youth has been referred to the concerned authorities.

Lately life has been going through many changes. My life that is. Well, everyone's I suppose, as that's what life is really all about... change. Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad, and sometimes it's just painful. But in the end -- it's life. And it's these times that really define us as a person.

I consider myself to be a very strong woman -- capable of managing pretty much anything. However, there are times when the most unexpected people can enter our lives, penetrate our souls like a knife, and create a sense of intimidation... or respect. These are the ones we're vulnerable to, and depend most on to be exactly as they presented themselves. These are the ones we never want to see change, because we love who they are.

Back in October 2007 I blogged about the death of a dear friend of mine -- though we had lost touch several years prior. It didn't make him any less of a friend. Our lives had moved in different directions, and we were no longer geographically close to one another. In our hearts I know we always were. His death was tragic and painful for me, and I only wished I had the opportunity to tell him how truly dear he was. I like to believe he knew it because I always treated him with the utmost respect, encouraging him, and sharing our time together as if we were married. Though oddly enough, we both were married -- but not to one another. We were as close as two friends could be.

Recently I have suffered a similar loss. Fortunately this time not through death. For a short period of time I was honored to have someone in my life who is brilliant, and motivating, caring, and kind. The friendship we shared was parallel to the one I shared with my friend who had died. We could talk for hours about anything or nothing and still be perfectly content. We could laugh, share things about our lives, and just sit together doing nothing. This person was truly dear to me, as I believe I was to them. Unfortunately, in this case, lives moved in different directions. Not geographically, but in other ways. What we once shared begins to be 'modified' to the point it's no longer recognizable. What was once not only acceptable behaviors became unacceptable and frowned upon. On both sides. What was once special and important was reduced to being defined as childish. Losing this friend was a conscious decision, so at least I take comfort in knowing they are aware of the level of respect and adoration I had for them -- just as I am aware of theirs for me. In the end -- it's life. We all pick up and move on. I am just fortunate to be taking a piece of them with me.

Sometimes I wonder if it's possible for two people to share the same thoughts about a situation. Or even view it in the same light. We all have different eyes, different minds, and different levels of maturity -- emotionally and psychologically. I suppose as long as our actions are always coming from a positive place without malintent, then it doesn't really matter how it's viewed? It's all in the presentation.

As for the man who thinks the White House is ugly -- I agree. But it doesn't mean I can't have my opinions about the horrid red and gold building in Salmiya. If this offends you, I have to ask... did you build it? Design it? Why so protective over this building? Furthermore, why so bitter towards someone who has a different opinion? Insecure?

And to those of you who send hate mail -- why? I don't blog for anyone other than myself. You ask if I 'hate' Kuwait so much why not go back to America (though I don't hate Kuwait at all). And in return I ask -- if my site angers you to the point of bitterness and ugly, why keep reading? Additionally, why put forth the effort required in addressing me personally? Why not just click the little red X and call it a day?

This is where choices come in. Some choose negativity, others don't. I welcome all of your mail -- hate filled or otherwise. You're never going to know me personally, so if that's the objective stop right there. I am never going to discuss my personal life with you -- so again, stop. And I am certainly never going to venture out into this little land of sand with any of you... stop!!

I too get to make choices... and when the lights are out -- they're OUT.

Khalas.

I'm certain I've mentioned before the lack of performing arts in Kuwait. If I haven't -- I am now. It's virtually nonexistent, and if we desperately long to see talented people at their best, we generally have to travel to places like Dubai, Algeria, etc. In the states we have every type of performing arts a person could want to see. Ballet, opera, symphonies, live music, plays, and the list goes on -- depending on your personal interest. Here the only entertaining thing we have to watch are the men chasing the women up and down the road. Not really my idea of 'artistic.'

Fortunately, I have acquired my own personal musician. Also known here as 'The Pianist.' I've written about his level of talent before and how I find it to be unmatched by some of the best I have ever heard. It's mesmerizing, intriguing, and hypnotic. The passion in which he plays the piano is truly indicative of him as a person. Eh, don't get me wrong -- though he's not a typical Middle Eastern man, he certainly shares many of their characteristics. Inability to express himself, lack of communication skills regarding emotions, never sheds a tear, etc. Until he plays the piano. Then it's like everything he feels and experiences is expressed. Without a word. It will be such a shame if he never gets to share this talent with this world... and even more sad if no one else ever understands it on the same level I do.

So, last night (this is where you're all gonna call me 'boringggg'), I was invited to a gathering/party/get together by a friend I don't think I've ever mentioned here before, so he doesn't yet have a nickname. I suppose I could call him 'Steroid' though I would be beheaded if he ever read this. Hmm, I could call him 'The American' though he is Kuwaiti. Or 'Lamborghini Guy'. Oh well, for now he is 'friend.' I've been to several of these little functions before, generally during EID, and have always had a great time. For the first several hours I am pretty much the only woman (other than the one hiding in places we won't discuss), but am always treated with respect, have great conversations about Kuwait politics, changes that should be made, and how, well, it's not going to happen anytime soon. These are men who could be considered somewhat influential, and well respected. I enjoy their company because it consists of intellectual interaction -- for the first few hours. Then it's time for me to leave.

Oh ok, I got lost for a moment... sorry about that.

Anyway, The Pianist was going to attend the little function with me, but because of the weather in Kuwait, not much really takes place before 10pm. We had decided to go around 11'ish. However, at the last minute he changed the plans (doesn't he know I am a womannnn?!? He can't do this to me!). Instead of meeting at my place, we were going to hang out at his, then leave from there. After having a panic attack, getting through the fear of prison, and overcoming the idea of travel bans... I agreed. Oh, sans make up and hair being done by the way. How am I supposed to go socialize while looking like I just crawled out of bed?! The Pianist has seen me looking like death many times -- he's one of the 'fortunate' (yeah, right... poor guy). However, he's always charming enough to tell me I look lovely, which I am certain translates into "Good grief, woman, do something with that hair and face!"

Long story short (who am I kidding?). I end up at his house, he plays the piano for me which there are no words to describe, and we end up not going to the function. This really worked out well for me as I prefer his music over pretty much anything in Kuwait. Though it's running a very close race with Fattoush at the moment. But, without a doubt my taste buds will change in a few months and the music will win again!

Yes, I choose my personal live performing arts over a social event. Perhaps this really is boring to some. To me it's simply magnificent. Although, I really am a quiet person, I love my 'alone time', I have little interest in sitting in a crowd of people too often, and I seek the serenity in everything. The Pianist provides this through his music.

I received an email this morning from someone (who chose to be anonymous -- no problem), who decided they were going to use me as the person to vent their hatred of 'TCNs' to. TCN = Third Country National, also known as FNs -- Foreign Nationals. These are the people who come into Kuwait from surrounding (and poor) countries to work. Generally, and more often than not, these people perform menial labor tasks, and the more undesirable jobs. However, they are paid a fair wage based on their own country's economic status, but many (including me) would argue this doesn't suffice.

When these people come to Kuwait to work they're leaving their home, family, children, and every level of security they have ever known. They're not coming to live in luxurious accommodations, or anything many of us would even consider livable. In many cases, it's outright deplorable on our standards. To some of them it's better than where they came from. This is not me trying to justify their living conditions in Kuwait -- only pointing out the facts.

Some of these people are treated with great respect and kindness from their peers, their co-workers, and the Kuwaitis. They are cared for like family members, and viewed as a friend. Unfortunately, there are the cases where this doesn't happen, and horrific acts against them take place.

The email I received this morning expressed a great 'hatred' for these people. And I am sad to say the person writing it claimed to be an American. I would venture to say they probably were based on the English and grammar.

When Americans come to Kuwait it's generally for a rather good job, with a high salary, very decent living accommodations, transportation, meals, etc. Many times these are the same people, who back in the states, never completed high school, went on to college, or have any sense of financial security. Or manners for that matter. They come here, make more money than they ever have before, and suddenly get this idea they're 'better' than everyone. Granted, as Americans we are already guilty of this syndrome regardless of our economic status. We have the "Americans are better" attitude, and in many cases we're wrong.

So, we have this American who writes to me expressing his/her grave distaste for TCNs. They're "dirty, nasty, smelly, gross" and the list goes on. It's such a shame someone from my country could have such a closed mind. Something tells me they've never attempted a conversation with a TCN, nor would they care to. They have judged them simply on what they see on the outside, and their social status in Kuwait.

If there is any country in the world that should be filled with people who have open minds and open hearts, it should be America. We are the 'United States' and provide opportunities for people all around the world. We open our doors to everyone, and place limited restrictions on them while visiting our home. Not that I think this is the best idea, but hey, it's who we are. Given the opportunity, everyone can become someone more than they are today. And America provides this opportunity.

In summation -- how dare an American pass judgement on someone who simply hasn't been given the opportunity. I am ashamed.

Am I the only one who seems to feel 'out of sorts' when things are right on schedule? Maybe I would be perfectly happy living my life like the movie Groundhog Day -- doing the same thing day in and day out.

Today it seems someone from my past has departed Kuwait. Not for long -- just a few days. And the fact is, I couldn't care less where this person is or what they're doing. But they so 'kindly' sent me a text message a few nights ago stating how they were going to travel. I pretty much ignored it, didn't reply, and didn't take it seriously. However, the entire time I've been in Kuwait this person has always been here. Regardless of the status of our friendship, or how badly he's driving me insane, I always knew he was here. Until now.

Also, when my friend's work schedule changes this bothers me. Kuwaitis don't often show up at work on time or as often as they should -- this is just the fact of life in Kuwait. So when I have a friend who does, and I am part of that little 'schedule' in a strange kinda way, then it changes, I feel 'out of sorts.'

It's not change itself that I have a difficult time with... but my inability to control it. Generally when things in my personal life change it's because I have dictated it. Unless it's just an unforeseen emergency, then it's a tragedy. I sometimes struggle with them but accept it was just out of my hands. Work schedules changing and people traveling isn't a tragedy, just a simple part of life. But not a part I dictated.

So, for today, I feel slightly discombobulated. I've made some plans for coffee with a friend, then the gym and sauna for me in hopes of taking my mind off of the ever changing world around me for a bit. I find if I indulge in my own pleasures I can forget about everyone else for a while. Call me selfish, but we all have our own coping skills. Being self centered is mine.

---

No idea why but the past week seems to have been rather 'blah.' This isn't to say nothing great or magnificent happened in my life, as there's generally something note-worthy. But sometimes not quite blog-worthy. Or blog appropriate for that matter.

The Pianist did come replace all of my light bulbs for me the other night, in case I haven't mentioned this. I suppose he started feeling sorry for me sitting in a half lit room all the time. The light fixtures in my living room aren't just a regular ol' light. They're somewhat decorative, hang on the wall, and appear to be above my head when it comes to changing bulbs. Yeah, I suppose I could have given it a shot, but it's so much easier to allow a man to take care of these things. So thank youuuu, Mr. Pianist for being so very kind, allowing me to be a whining woman, and doing the manly stuff around my apartment. You are much appreciated.

Thursday night I did something completely out of character -- met a friend who will be known as 'Prisoner Boy' (for reasons not to be discussed here). Prisoner Boy and I have been very close friends for about 3 years now, and I absolutely adore him. I haven't seen him in a couple of months but we make sure to talk often, and if I miss a few days of calling I get the, "Why you don't call? Why you are not keeping in touch like you should?" phone calls. Thursday we were both out and about with nothing major on the agenda and decided to meet at Marina Crescent and hang out for a few. This is the part that's so out of character for me -- Marina Crescent on a weekend. Rarely do I bother myself with malls in Kuwait on a normal business day, but the weekends are just children playing the 'give me attention' game with one another. As we're approaching the mall from the parking lot I see this young woman following behind a young man (early 20's). He's saying something rather loud in Arabic, and she's yammering on in some fake high pitched voice like a screaming cat. I ask Prisoner Boy what's going on and he explains the guy wanted the girl to leave him alone and go away. Can't say I blame him -- who wants a screaming woman?!

Speaking of screaming woman -- it's just rude, ladies. Nothing appealing, attractive, or desirable about a woman who speaks louder than a man. And certainly not one who screams at the top of her lungs in an attempt to get the attention of a man. I was on the phone with The Pianist while he was working the other day, and I could hear a really loud cell phone in the background, and then a woman screaming like a cat, though having a normal conversation. Seems this is normal protocol for her, because I talk to him often at work, and inevitably -- there she is. If she worked for me, the cell phone would be on silent, and she would be on mute!

A couple of days ago I started driving in the direction of Souk Sharq. Not just in the general vicinity, but actually finding myself pulling into the parking lot. Remember -- malls are not my thing here in Kuwait, so this was certainly an uncontrollable force of nature. However, I had to buy my facial cleansing products, and figured since a force stronger than me steered me into the mall parking lot, I might as well do what I needed to do.

I spent 10 minutes in Debenhams and spent over 100KD. What happened? Had I lost my mind? What if I had been in there an hour? Who is this woman?! I was sucked in by the smell of Arabian Diamonds -- I caved. Then of course at the facial cleansing counter is the entire line of make up, which apparently I felt I needed. Why? I have enough makeup to keep Ringling Brothers in business for a lifetime. Do I think makeup is going to make that much difference? Am I really hoping a little powder here and a new color lipstick is going to change my appearance so much that I really need them?

Blah -- anyone know a good cosmetic surgeon?

I'm sure I have discussed Dajeej here before... when mentioning furniture. It's a large area in Farwaniya with nothing but furniture, bedding, curtains, lighting, and home decor stores. Every furniture store custom makes anything you want. This is where I had my bed made, which was purchased at a friend's store. Unfortunately, his store is no more. I didn't go into details about his loss, but I do know he has a wife and one year old son. This was his family business, and income. Not sure how much insurance each individual owner carries, but I hope it was enough to help him rebuild. I haven't driven by to see the damage, but I will tomorrow morning.

It was my hope to have furniture custom made for my living room for the house I am having built. He was the only person I would consider having do this for me. His work is amazing, and his prices are so very reasonable. Not to mention -- I get a discount.

Not sure how extensive the damages are at Dajeej, but I have to wonder if they're going to rebuild it? And considering the estimate of 2 million KD, I can assume it's quite a devastating sight. The stores around the edges are either one or two story buildings, but the ones in the middle are three stories with the bottom floor being located underground. This is where my friend's store was, and this is the building which was involved. Fortunately no one was injured too badly other than a couple of firefighter related injuries. But no deaths I have heard of.

Billboard cause of Dajeej inferno: report

KUWAIT CITY : The fire which destroyed about 50 shops selling furniture, curtains and upholstery in a two-storey building in Dajeej Wednesday evening was reportedly caused by a billboard, reports Al-Anba daily quoting security sources. The sources said the loss is estimated to be in the range of KD 2 million adding most of the shops that went up in flames were furniture stores. A report compiled by the Fire Services Directorate say the main cause of the mishap was short circuit in the billboard. The report added the fire burned the top side of the billboard and soon spread to one of the shops in the complex before razing everything to the ground. The sources explained the fire-fighting operation continued until 6:00 in the morning Thursday when the fire was completely brought under control after more than 12 hours. About 100 firemen took part in the operation and six of them who sustained minor injuries while combating the fire were treated on the spot. Initially it was reported the fire which could be seen from the airport and afar, was brought under control in two-and-a-half hours, and was declared completely out after five hours.

The article below was in the Arab Times today, and though I like to believe incidents like this are isolated, it's a shame it happens at all.

I was having a conversation with The Pianist the other day about 'wasta'. He is a good person, kind, ethical, and really does seem to do the right thing more often than not. However, on the topic of wasta, he says "this is the life." I explained that if I worked for DMV (the Driver's License Agency) in America, and my sister (if I had one) came in the door and I took her before all the people who had been waiting, I would be terminated on the spot. This would be considered unfair and unethical. Again, he says, "This is the life here." Sad, but he's right. It really is. I admit, when something needs to get done, I don't hesitate to use wasta when available. When it's not, I do the confused, scared, intimidated woman act while flirting. This is my form of personal wasta... and works out rather well for me.

OK, back to the story...

Women kidnapped, raped, sold - Cop nabbed as police bust huge prostitution network

KUWAIT CITY : Personnel from the Criminal Investigation Department have arrested a lance corporal working at the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh Police Station for abusing his authority and raping Asian women and then selling them to pimps to be pushed into prostitution, reports Al-Dar daily. According to a police source the corporal used to kidnap the victims and then drive them in a police vehicle to his apartment. After raping them and satisfying his lust he then sold them to the pimps and the latter pushed them into prostitution. According to the Al-Qabas daily the policeman has made a lot of money in bribe. He reportedly accepted bribe to release persons who had been arrested for not holding identification papers. The daily added all the victims are residence law violators and they were not in a position to file a complaint against him for fear of being deported from the country. This came to light when the police raided many apartments in the area and arrested 50 pimps and rescued 64 kidnapped Asian women.