The article examines the experiences of an estimated 3.1 million expatriates residing in Bahrain and Qatar amidst an ongoing conflict in West Asia. It reports on the direct effects of regional tensions, including the proximity to missile defense actions and the resulting scatter of fragmentation, which contribute to a disrupted sense of security. The piece notes the prevalence of sirens and difficulties with sleep reported within these communities. A central theme is the perception among expatriates of being exposed to regional dangers without the inherent belonging to the host nation. The article also highlights the concern expressed by expatriates' families and friends globally, and identifies these communities as especially vulnerable to misinformation disseminated via digital platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook. Despite these challenges, the article concludes by acknowledging the continued presence of these expatriate populations in the region.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/shrapnel-doesnt-read-zip-codes-expat-experience-gulf-war-iran-israel-bahrain-qatar-10569444/
