Warden Notice 2009 - 01

Americans are advised to avoid the Flag Square and National Assembly areas in downtown Kuwait City in the afternoon and evening times of Saturday, January 3, 2009.  The Flag Square area is about one kilometer from the National Assembly on Gulf Road headed toward Shuwaikh.  A text message is circulating urging the public to join a demonstration called "Rescue Gaza," and to meet at 3:30 p.m. in the Flag Square area and then head to the National Assembly.  It is standard good security practice is to avoid any large gatherings or crowds, especially demonstrations with political implications.

Warden Notice 2008 - 23

Wednesday, January 7, 2009, is Ashoura and marks the end of the ten days of ritual mourning observed by most Shi'a Muslims.  Observances in Kuwait are generally peaceful although the mourning rituals can be emotional and public.  As a security precaution, and to exhibit cultural sensitivity, the Embassy recommends avoiding areas where there are public gatherings and crowds observing Ashoura.  In particular, the neighborhoods of Bneid Al-Qar, Mansouriya, Al-Daeya, Al-Dasma, Rumaithya, Maidan Hawali, and Hawali have concentrations of Shi'a mosques and gathering halls where crowds may congregate.

A standard good security practice is to avoid any large gatherings or crowds.

Warden Notice 2008 - 22

Warden Message: Sending Your Ballot

American citizens should have already mailed their absentee ballots for the November 4, 2008 presidential and general elections.  Mail transmission from the U.S. Embassy to the United States takes approximately 8 days.  Ballots submitted to the U.S. Embassy now may not arrive in the United States by November 4.

Forgot to mail your ballot?

Although the U.S. Embassy can transmit your ballot free of charge, it is too late to guarantee arrival by November 4.  Voters who have not yet mailed their absentee ballots should consider alternate means including express courier.  A few states also accept completed ballots by fax or e-mail.

Check the Voting Assistance Guide for your state's deadlines and fax/e-mail options.

Ballot hasn't arrived?

If your ballot has not arrived, use the Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB).  The FWAB serves as an emergency ballot for voters who registered in time but fail to receive an official ballot from local election officials.  The FWAB is available at www.fvap.gov or from any U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

If your regular state ballot arrives after you have mailed the FWAB, complete and mail the state ballot as well.

Questions?

The Voting Assistance Officer at the Kuwait Embassy is available to answer questions about absentee voting.  To contact the Voting Assistance Officer, call 2259-1581 or 2259-1248 or send an e-mail to VoteKuwait@state.gov. 

Warden Notice 2008 - 21

Warden Message: Final Reminder to VOTE and Announcement of Special
Embassy Hours!

American citizens should vote now in the November 4, 2008
presidential and general elections. If you registered to vote and
requested an absentee ballot by your state's deadline, you should
have already received your state absentee ballot. Please return your
marked ballot now!

Ballot hasn't arrived?

If your ballot has not arrived, use the Federal Write-in Absentee
Ballot (FWAB). The FWAB serves as an emergency ballot for voters who
registered in time but fail to receive an official ballot from local
election officials. The FWAB is available at www.fvap.gov or from any
U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

If your regular state ballot arrives after you have mailed the FWAB,
complete and mail the state ballot as well.

Returning your ballot

Voted ballots and FWABs may be mailed to your local voting officials
in the United States through first-class international mail or from
any U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Last-minute voters should consider
using an express courier company to deliver their ballots. A few
states also accept completed ballots by fax or e-mail.

The Embassy will have special hours, in addition to the regular
American Citizen Services schedule, for voting services every Sunday
and Tuesday from 1500-1700, beginning October 14 and ending on
November 4th. A Voting Assistance Officer will be available at window
#2 at the embassy front gate for last minute registrations, ballot
drop-off and other voting questions.

Questions?

The Voting Assistance Officer at the Kuwait Embassy is available to
answer questions about absentee voting. To contact the Voting
Assistance Officer, call 2259-1581 or 2259-1248 or send an e-mail to
VoteKuwait@state.gov. 

Warden Notice 2008 - 20

Warden Message: Vote NOW!

American citizens should vote now in the November 4, 2008 presidential and general elections.  If you registered to vote and requested an absentee ballot by your state's deadline, you should receive your state absentee ballot in October.  Please return your marked ballot as soon as possible to ensure that it arrives in time to be counted!

Forgot to register or request an absentee ballot?

Some states have late registration deadlines for overseas voters.  Check your state's deadlines on the Federal Voting Assistance Program's website at www.fvap.gov.  If your state's registration deadline has not passed, complete the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to register to vote and request your ballot.  The FPCA is available at www.fvap.gov or from any U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Ballot hasn't arrived?

If your ballot has not arrived by mid-October, we strongly encourage you to use the Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB).  The FWAB serves as an emergency ballot for voters who registered in time but fail to receive an official ballot from local election officials.  The FWAB is available at www.fvap.gov or from any U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Returning your ballot

Voted ballots, FPCAs and FWABs may be mailed to your local voting officials in the United States through first-class international mail or from any U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  Last-minute voters should consider using an express courier company to deliver their ballots.  Some states also accept FPCAs and voted ballots by fax or e-mail.

Questions?

The Voting Assistance Officer at U.S. Embassy Kuwait is also always available to answer questions about absentee voting.  To contact the Voting Assistance Officer, call 2259-1248, 2259-1581 and 2259-1583 or send an e-mail to email address VoteKuwait@state.gov

Warden Notice 2008 - 19

The deadline for voter registration for November election is getting
close but it is still not too late to register. Don't miss the
opportunity to exercise one of your most important rights as an
American citizen. 

There are two ways to register to vote while you are abroad. For most
states you can register online via the Federal Voting Assistance
Program website at www.fvap.gov or you can register in person at the
Embassy during American Citizen Services hours Sunday through
Thursday 1-3 or Monday through Thursday 9-11.

The Embassy will also be open for extended hours, on Sunday, October
5th from 1500-1900 to allow Americans who are unable to come to the
Embassy during regular hours to register to vote. These special hours
are for voting assistance only; no other American Citizen Services
will be performed. 

All citizens should bring two forms of ID, including a U.S. issued ID
such as a driver's license or passport. Please ensure that you bring
your U.S ID inside, as you will need information from it for your
voter registration form.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact
the embassy at VoteKuwait@state.gov or KuwaitACS@state.gov.

Warden Notice 2008 - 18

TRAVEL ALERT - ARABIAN PENINSULA AND PERSIAN GULF

1. This Travel Alert is being issued to warn Americans about
heightened security concerns in and around the Arabian Peninsula and
Persian Gulf. U.S. citizens traveling to or already in the region are
reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take
appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. This Travel
Alert expires on February 22, 2009.

2. The security threat level in the Arabian Peninsula and Persian
Gulf region remains high after the September 17 terrorist attack on
the U.S. Embassy in Sana'a, Yemen, in which several security
personnel and innocent bystanders, including one U.S. citizen, were
killed. Credible information indicates that al-Qaida and affiliated
organizations continue to plan attacks against U.S. interests in the
region. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including
suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings and
bombings. While conventional weapons such as explosive devices are a
more immediate threat in many areas, the use of non-conventional
weapons, including chemical or biological agents, must be considered
a possible threat. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and
civilian targets. Increased security at official U.S. facilities may
lead terrorists and their sympathizers to seek softer targets such as
public transportation, residential areas, and public areas where
people congregate, including restaurants, hotels, clubs, and shopping
areas.

3. Potential targets are not limited to those companies or
establishments with overt U.S. ties.  For instance, terrorists may
target movie theaters, liquor stores, bars, casinos, or any similar
type of establishment, regardless of whether they are owned and
operated by host country nationals. Due to varying degrees of
security at all such locations, U.S. citizens should be particularly
vigilant when visiting these establishments. From time to time,  the
Embassy may restrict official Americans from restaurants, hotels, or 
shopping areas.  U.S. citizens should exercise caution and take
prudent security measures, including maintaining a high level of
vigilance, avoiding crowds and demonstrations, keeping a low profile,
varying times and routes for all travel, and ensuring travel
documents are current.

4. U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to
register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State
Department's travel registration web site at
https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain
updated information on travel and security.

Americans without Internet access may register directly with the
nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens
make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case
of emergency.

5. 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. Americans abroad are
urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest
U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

6. As the Department continues to develop information on any
potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares
credible threat information through its Consular Information Program
documents, including the Worldwide Caution, available on the Internet
at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the
Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security
conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada
or, outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-
4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday
through Friday, Eastern Time (except U.S. federal holidays.)

Warden Notice 2008 – 17

Warden Notice 2008 – 16

Warden Message: New Website for Overseas Voters

We encourage you to visit the newly redesigned Federal Voting
Assistance Program website at www.fvap.gov, the official U.S.
government website for overseas voters.  The updated website features
an automated Voter Registration and Ballot Delivery tool that will
greatly improve the vote-by-mail process.

There are two options for overseas voters using the FVAP website:
•    Visit www.fvap.gov and click "Get Started" to be directed to
an online Federal Postcard Application and instructions for your
state; or
•    Visit www.fvap.gov and click "Use our New Automated Tool to
Register/Request a Ballot" under Quick Links in the lower right-hand
corner of the home page.  You will be redirected to www.fvap.com, a
fully automated site that requires you to create a user account and
password.

Voter Registration & Requesting an Absentee Ballot

Voters who have not yet registered to vote and requested an absentee
ballot should do so now using the FVAP website.  You may also pick up
a hard copy of the Federal Postcard Application (FPCA) from any U.S.
Embassy or Consulate.

You should also complete a new Federal Postcard Application if you
have moved or changed your name since the last time you voted.

Voting

Your local voting officials should mail your absentee ballot 30 to 45
days before the November 4 general election.  Return your voted
ballot as early as possible.  Be aware of your state's ballot receipt
deadline, as well as any postmarking requirements.

Emergency Ballots

The Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) serves as an emergency
ballot for voters who registered in time but fail to receive an
official ballot from local election officials.  You can access the
FWAB using www.fvap.gov as well.

Questions?

The Voting Assistance Officer at the Kuwait City Embassy is also
always available to answer questions about absentee voting.  To
contact the Voting Assistance Officer send an e-mail to
VoteKuwait@state.gov.

Warden Notice 2008 – 15

Begin text.

Americans are advised to avoid the Jelib Al-Shuyuh area, northwest of
Kuwait City and Marboulah, south of Kuwait city.  Both locations have
been the scene of demonstrations the past two days by hundreds of
Bangladeshi workers protesting their pay and work conditions. 
Kuwaiti police have resorted to tear gas to quell the disturbances. 
There have been several arrests.

Warden Notice 2008 – 14

WORLDWIDE CAUTION

This Worldwide Caution updates information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against Americans and interests throughout the world.  In some countries, the rise in oil and food prices has caused political and economic instability and social unrest. American citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.  This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated January 17, 2008.

The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas.  Current information suggests that al-Qaida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.  These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings and bombings.

Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official and private interests.  Examples of such targets include high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas and locales where Americans gather in large numbers, including during holidays.  A July 9, 2008, terrorist attack on Turkish police guarding the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul killed three police officers and wounded other police personnel.  On March 15, a bomb was detonated at an Italian restaurant in Islamabad, killing two and injuring twelve, including five Americans.  Also on March 15, two bombs exploded at the CS Pattani Hotel in southern Thailand killing two and injuring

thirteen.  In January, a bomb in a disco pub in the Philippines killed one and injured eight.

Americans are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems.  Recent examples include multiple anti-personnel mine detonations on passenger buses in June 2008 in Sri Lanka,  multiple terrorist attacks on trains in India in 2006, the July 2005 London Underground bombings, and the March 2004 train attacks in Madrid.  Extremists may also select aviation and maritime services as possible targets, such as the August 2006 plot against aircraft in London, or the December 2006 bomb at Madrid's Barajas International Airport.  In June 2007, a vehicle was driven into the main

terminal at Glasgow International Airport and burst into flames, but the bomb failed to detonate.

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The Middle East and North Africa

--------------------------------

Credible information indicates terrorist groups seek to continue attacks against U.S. interests in the Middle East and North Africa.  Terrorist actions may include bombings, hijackings, hostage taking, kidnappings, and assassinations.  While conventional weapons such as explosive devices are a more immediate threat in many areas, use of non-conventional weapons, including chemical or biological agents, must be considered a possible threat.  Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets.  Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorists and their sympathizers to seek softer targets such as public transportation, residential areas, and public areas where people congregate, including restaurants, hotels, clubs, and shopping areas.

On March 18, 2008, a mortar attack on the U.S. Embassy in Yemen injured several Yemeni citizens in the vicinity.  On January 15, a roadside explosion in Beirut, Lebanon damaged a U.S. Embassy vehicle, killing three Lebanese and injuring an American citizen.   On December 11, 2007, two vehicle-borne explosive devices were detonated at the UN headquarters in Algiers and the Algerian Constitutional Council.  Three suicide bomb attacks in July and September of 2007 in Algeria killed more than 80 people.  In July 2007, suspected al-Qaida operatives carried out a vehicle-borne explosive device attack on tourists at the Bilquis Temple in Yemen, killing eight Spanish tourists and their two Yemeni drivers.  There was a series of bombings in Morocco in March and April 2007, two of which occurred simultaneously outside the U.S. Consulate General and the private American Language Center in Casablanca.  Additionally, an attack took place on the American International School in Gaza in April 2007.  These events underscore the intent of terrorist entities to target facilities perceived to cater to Westerners.  The September 2006 attack on the U.S. Embassy in Syria and the March 2006 bombing near the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan illustrate the continuing desire of extremists to strike American targets.

Potential targets are not limited to those companies or establishments with overt U.S. ties.  For instance, terrorists may target movie theaters, liquor stores, bars, casinos, or any similar type of establishment, regardless of whether they are owned and operated by host country nationals.  Due to varying degrees of security at all such locations, Americans should be particularly vigilant when visiting these establishments.

The violence in Iraq, clashes between Palestinians and Israelis, and clashes between terrorist extremists and the Lebanese Armed Forces have the potential to produce demonstrations and unrest throughout the region.  Americans are reminded that demonstrations and rioting can occur with little or no warning.  In addition, the Department of State continues to warn of the possibility for violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests in the region.  Anti-American violence could include possible terrorist actions against aviation, ground transportation, and maritime interests, specifically in the Middle East, including the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, the Arabian Peninsula, and North Africa.

The Department is concerned that extremists may be planning to carry out attacks against Westerners and oil workers on the Arabian Peninsula.  Armed attacks targeting foreign nationals in Saudi Arabia that resulted in many deaths and injuries, including U.S. citizens, appear to have been preceded by extensive surveillance.  Tourist destinations in Egypt that are frequented by Westerners were attacked in April 2006 resulting in many deaths and injuries, including Americans.  Extremists may be surveilling Westerners, particularly at hotels, housing areas, and rental car facilities.  Potential targets may include U.S. contractors, particularly those related to military interests.  Financial or economic venues of value also could be considered as possible targets; the failed attack on the Abqaiq oil processing facility in Saudi Arabia in late February 2006 and the September 2006 attack on oil facilities in Yemen are examples.

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East Africa

-----------

A number of al-Qaida operatives and other extremists are believed to be operating in and around East Africa. As a result of the conflict in Somalia, some of these individuals may seek to relocate elsewhere in the region.  Americans considering travel to the region and those already there should review their plans carefully, remain vigilant with regard to their personal security, and exercise caution.  Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings, kidnappings or targeting maritime vessels.  Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets.  Increased security at official U.S.  facilities has led terrorists to seek softer targets such as hotels, beach resorts, prominent public places, and landmarks.  In particular, terrorists and likeminded extremists may target international aid workers, civil aviation and seaports in various locations  throughout East Africa, including Somalia.  Americans in remote areas or border regions where military or police authority is limited or non-existent could also become targets.

Americans considering travel by sea near the Horn of Africa or in the southern Red Sea should exercise extreme caution, as there have been several incidents of armed attacks, robberies, and kidnappings for ransom at sea by pirates during the past several years.  Merchant vessels continue to be hijacked in Somali territorial waters, while others have been hijacked as far as 300 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia in international waters.

The U.S. Government maritime authorities advise mariners to avoid the port of Mogadishu, and to remain at least 200 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia.  In addition, when transiting around the Horn of Africa or in the Red Sea, it is strongly recommended that vessels travel in convoys, and maintain good communications

contact at all times.

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South and Central Asia

----------------------

The U.S. Government continues to receive information that terrorist groups in South and Central Asia may be planning attacks in the region, possibly against U.S.

Government facilities, American citizens, or American interests.  The presence of al-Qaida, Taliban elements, indigenous sectarian groups, and other terror organizations, many of which are on the U.S. Government's list of foreign terror organizations, poses a potential danger to American citizens in the region.  Continuing tensions in the Middle East may also increase the threat of anti-Western or anti-American violence in the region.

Terrorists and their sympathizers have demonstrated their willingness and capability to attack targets where Americans or Westerners are known to congregate or visit.  Their actions may include, but are not limited to, vehicle-born explosives, improvised explosive devices, assassinations, carjackings, rocket attacks, assaults or kidnappings.  On June 2, 2008, a large bomb exploded in front of the Danish Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan killing at least six people and wounding nearly 20.  In May 2008, a series of coordinated bombings occurred in market and temple areas of the tourist city of Jaipur in Rajasthan, India.  In Afghanistan, kidnappings and terrorist attacks on international organizations, international aid workers, and foreign interests continue.  In Sri Lanka, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and other groups have conducted suicide bombings at political rallies, government buildings, and major economic targets, and in recent months have increasingly targeted public transportation.  Although there is no indication that American citizens were targeted in these attacks, and none were injured, there is a heightened risk of American citizens being victims of violence by being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Previous terrorist attacks conducted in Central Asia have involved improvised explosive devices and suicide bombers and have targeted public areas, such as markets, local government facilities, and, in 2004, the U.S. and Israeli Embassies in Uzbekistan.  In addition, hostage-takings and skirmishes have occurred near the Uzbek-Tajik-Kyrgyz border areas.

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Before You Go

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U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site at<