ASSAULTED BY MEMBER OF QATAR EMIRI AIR FORCE
ASSAULTED BY A MEMBER OF THE QATAR EMIRI AIR FORCE - IN UNIFORM!
Earlier this week I had an incredibly traumatic experience on Doha’s roads.
I was turning left at an intersection (there were two turning lanes) when the car in the OUTSIDE lane decided he wanted to do a U-Turn. Anyone who knows their road rules knows that that is illegal and very dangerous. I only narrowly managed to avoid what would have been a very bad car crash.
Unfortunately – and I admit my poor behaviour here – I got angry and gave the driver a certain hand gesture which is considered offensive. I lost my cool, and I shouldn’t have done that.
But what happened next was terrifying, and certainly not a fair reaction.
The other car swung around in the middle of the intersection and chased me down the street I was driving on (this was the road leading up to Al Ahli Hospital). The driver overtook me, stopped his car in front of me, and got out of his car. It was then I saw he was in uniform, so I opened my window to speak to him. On his uniform were the words “QATAR EMIRI AIR FORCE”.
The driver attempted to punch me through the window, but I managed to avoid his fist. He then grabbed me by my shirt and shook me around violently for almost 30 seconds. He ripped part of my shirt. He was swearing wildly. He only let me go when I managed to get the words “I apologise” out. He then got back in his car and drove off.
By this stage I was in complete shock. My car was stopped in the middle of the road, but thankfully some men came from over the other side of the road, and got me out of my car. They called an ambulance and looked after me until it came.
Ironically, another car stopped to help… and its driver was ANOTHER member of the Qatar Emiri Air Force! I told him what had happened… he asked if I saw how many stars the man had on his uniform, what his license plate was etc… but I couldn’t remember anything. The only thing was that he was driving a silver Mercedes coupe.
I am not going to pursue the matter with the police, because I feel my indiscretion will somehow be considered WORSE than his. However I wanted other people to know that this kind of thuggery extends right up to people in uniform, who apparently serve this country.
I have lived an enjoyable life here for the last three years, but this incident has made me want to leave.
How is it that a rude hand gesture is considered MORE offensive than almost causing an accident or death by deliberate dangerous driving?
As I said, I admit my mistake… I shouldn’t have done what I did… but in no way did I deserve to be assaulted and almost beaten up.
beat the hell out!!!
hey man i just read your story and i m sorry for what happened to you bro ... anywayz things happens and i hope from that day notthing bad happened to u ... but for me i m high temper guy and i dont care if i was u i would fight back ..anywayz take care bro
Well I read most of the posts and here is what I think … It’s very sad and I’m very sorry for what happened to expatguy08 I really am. Road rage is a worldwide problem, so is violence and before all that so is pride. I haven’t been to many places in the world but from my little experiences and with the help of online statistics I can say that in Qatar road rage is not that severe a problem when compared to many other places including countries of what some people like to call a more civil world. In a fairer world, the guy who made the wrong turn would have to answer for the traffic violation, you would have to answer for the offensive gesture, and he would again have to answer for the uncalled for violent offence. I honestly believe that you handling the whole issue with calm attitude and a non violent reaction to the guy’s overreaction was the bravest move to do. It’s always easier to react than to think. And it’s always wise, civil and challenging to handle matters gently and delicately. I agree with many people here who said that an act should be made. To pursue the matter or not pursue it is a personal choice of yours and we understand it either way, but what I believe is people should report such incidents, should talk about it more, and should address it even in the media. Change is possible.
Wow, I never thought this incident would promote so much debate. Thank you also to the people who have emailed or PMed me with their kind messages :)
A few points I would like to make:
* Some of you have said I should pursue this case. Quite simply, I won't. I realise that under Qatari law I will be perceived as the one who committed the worse crime. Many of you have outlined that, and it's something I have to accept.
* I still think that u-turning from the right hand lane is dangerous (someone said they weren't sure if it was ACTUALLY illegal, and I've not been able to verify either) but it is certainly a dangerous manoeuvre. I don't think that because someone is in the left-hand turning lane that you can EXPECT they'll be doing a u-turn - if anything, we should expect the UNexpected on Doha's roads!! Anyway I'll be sure to stay out of the left-hand lane in future unless I'M doing the u-turn!
* Some have pointed out that the gesture I made is very offensive. I understand that, and I understand that what I did was wrong. However the point I have been making all along is that what HE did was not a warranted response. He was violent, frightening, and completely over the top. A bit of shouting and yelling, I could understand... but not a physical assault.
To the person who said this...
"Shaking you while telling you you can't do the finger gesture is a very compassionate response"
... well, what an extraordinary comment. A man attempts a punch, physically shakes me about with great force, rips my shirt, and swears over and over at me - and that's 'compassion'?
If that is how you define compassion, then society here is in a lot of trouble.
QAF1: LOL! reminds me of a youtube video (don't remember what it was - maybe SNL?)
Death to America
Sorry Expat guy.. I do this all the time to these idiots.. Other day I had a lady in her posh car with full abaya did a horendous act of driving..
There are too situations being suggested here..really depends on each person..Kick the F**k out of this guy of dont do the finger in the first place..
I love road rage.. But if you cant stand up to these idiots then dont show these MF a gestues in the first place..
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HE WHO DARES WINS
treysdad, i am still not sure about this rule.. there is no place for such things like "what to do, yanni?" on the roads. It is some confusion, you have to double check. Again, i almost even don't see anybody doing it! Even when the queue for the u-turn is too long and the right lane is not too busy. Please check it first, before insisting on it..coz it confuses other QLers..
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“You become responsible forever for what you have tamed”. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
I know it is ridiculous. But it's the convention here. What to do, yanni? so for expatguy to pursue his case is a no-win situation. That is why I said forget it and charge it to experience.
Also, another subtle road rule, I see so many expatriates on the fast lane driving within speed limit. Great! But when a fast approaching vehicle comes (sometimes with flashing lights), they stay on that lane thinking they are right since they are within speed limit.
The right thing to do is to let the fast moving vehicle through. It is the other vehicle's problem if he defies the speed limit. Just let him pass and then go back to the fast lane if you wish. There is no point of trying to impose the speed limit on another vehicle by using your own car.
i think, either treysdad misunderstood something, or the instructor was just kind of making a joke.. it is IMPOSSIBLE to have such rule!
for example, the driver from the right lane wants to make a U-turn, which treysdad believes is ok. How this driver can make sure that the driver from the left lane also is going to make a U-turn? what is the driver from the left lane will make a simple left turn? BAMS! ACCIDENT!
sorry, but it sounds nonsense, and cannot be the rule.
and i never see anybody doing it, even though the queue for making a U-turn is too long, everybody are waiting in the left lane.. only sometimes some risky idiots jump from the right lanes and make a parallel with the left-lane driver U-turn, and almost commit the accidents!
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“You become responsible forever for what you have tamed”. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Treysdad - I'm not saying you're lying. I believe that you have been told this, and you friendly advice makes sense as it will avoid the accident ever occurring.
But it still doesn't make sense that the outer lane is allowed to u-turn. You said yourself that SUVs find it hard to turn that tightly, so having TWO lanes both trying to perform the turn is going to lead to accidents.
I do not expect you to believe me because you did not also go through the road test here to get a driving license that is why you think the road rules in your country apply here.
Just observe the vehicles on a TWO-LANE LEFT TURNING SECTION. As I was told the inner lane is primarily for vehicles making a U-turn not for left-turn (unless there is a no U-turn sign) that is why you have to stay on the outer lane for turning left.
AND as a friendly and safety advice to you, if ever you are really going LEFT on that section of the road, stay on the outer lane. Don't go into the inner lane. It has kept me accident-free so far (fingers-crossed!).
Stay safe!
You can't teach experience...
treysdad - there is no way that the u-turn/left turn method you described, where the right lane can cut across the left lane, is considered the correct way to do it, in any country anywhere!
If your driving instructor told you that's how it should be done then he's an idiot.
And any SUV should be capable of of u-uturning from the left lane into a two lane road, as long as they aren't going to fast.
Take it easy on the road. Don't lose your temper and start showing people the finger - it doesn't help anyone and won't make the other person a better driver.
I know it's easier said than done but clearly it isn't worth it?
guess you won't be making that hand gesture again in a hurry (and if you make that gesture at this post, i'll come around and shake your monitor!)
And pls do not refer to my country like a "Default", if 25 European states invited Romania to join EU on 1Jan.2007 this means that starting that day my country has to be treated like all EU countries, independent of how western or eastern is situated, either you like it or not!!! If Qatar didn't signed the equalizing of Romanian dr.license (yet!) this is not the business of a Sri Lankan guy on QL...By the way, excepting former-British colonies (e.g Ceylon)we are driving on the right side so, nothing new in regulations here for me.Your last thread is confirming how far of subject you are and how much you hate expat women drivers ( see other topics) this means you got my point:Quod Erat Demonstrandum. Do not bother to reply to me now or on other posts again!
See the confusion? To many expats it is a ridiculous convention.
I told you they have different rules because also in our country to make a left turn we stay on the leftmost lane. This was my early mistake during my driving class and I had near misses.
That is why my instructor told me precisely - when making a left turn on a TWO-LANE LEFT TURNING SECTION, stay on the outer lane.
By the way for an SUV it is too tight to make a U-turn on the inner lane because of the center island. That is why I see so many L/C do it from the outer lane to make a wide turn. I think this is the reason for such convention here.
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Common sense has no place on the roads here (or in many other aspects of society) as we see every day people not wearing seat belts, babies in the front seats of cars and on the driver's lap in some cases!,toddlers bobbing about in between the front seats or on the front seat ... the list goes on .... Rules are there for a reason and need to be respected by everyone and enforced by the authorities. However, as we also see, the authorities cannot be relied on to do so - and in some case are the worst offenders!
I am getting wound up reading this.
And I am about to do the home run now from Mesaieed to Doha.
I am finding it increasingly difficult to stop myself from stopping and punching some of these idiots.
My tolerance levels are definately dropping.
Call me Maninibat!
Well no, you see plenty of people trying to do it. Most of the time that's cos they were in the right lane because it was shorter.
may not be as common as we think obviously!
Now I don't know if that is written down as a driving law, so it may not be illegal to attempt a u-turn from the right lane, but it's simple common sense surely.
so if I'm in the furthest left lane and turning left, and the guy next to me (right hand side) decides to do a U-turn I'm supposed to let him? this is the most idiotic thing I've heard today. WRONG!!!! and dangerous
I think there is confusion between which lane is called OUTER and which is called INNER.
If there are 2 lanes for a left hand turn/u-turn;
- the left lane can turn left or u-turn
- the right lane can only turn left (not u-turn).
hey! can someone to shed some light on the OUTER-INNER left/U-turn issue??
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“You become responsible forever for what you have tamed”. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Thanks expatguy for warning us of this as who would have thought that making a rude gesture to someone is considered worse than someone who is trying to kill you on the road and who hunts you down and assaults you!
Road rage is a problem in a lot of countries - but then most countries have road rules that actually make sense and are there to prevent people from deliberately killing others by selfish and dangerous driving - and the rude gesture would be no excuse for assault. The rule explained by treysdad makes no sense to me and is a recipe for complete disaster as we see every day at intersections in Doha.
This is a sad reflection of the society we live in here. Even more sad is that standing up for yourself and other people has a huge price tag (and not just in financial terms) as this is clearly a society where you cannot rely on justice being done (especially when expats and Qataris are involved).
Expatguy did the right thing to highlight the experience here so we can all be aware and keep our fingers in check while on the road! Anything more would risk his liberty (which, quite frankly, is unbelievable).
I think it’s other way around. The one from the outer lane can only turn left. The one from the inner lany can either turn left or make a u-turn! At least it makes some sense!
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“You become responsible forever for what you have tamed”. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
How this one from the outer lane gonna fit the turn, since it’s barely enough space only for one car, from the inner lane?? You cannot turn from the inner lane into the LEFT lane of the road, you anyway end up with fitting the RIGHT lane of the road only, even with the small car , forget about some L/C.. so which lane of the road the one from the outer lane suppose to fit upon completion the turn?
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“You become responsible forever for what you have tamed”. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
this is really something new for me..
are you sure, The OUTER LANE are allowed to turn left or make a u-turn in anticipation of the inner lane going u-turn also??? and that "If you are on the INNER lane going left and the guy on the outer lane makes a u-turn, you have to GIVE WAY to him to make a U-turn because you are out of position." ?? are you sure about it????
now! somebody enlighten me pls!
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“You become responsible forever for what you have tamed”. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
LOL,
jesus:
"Defending yourself is not a right but an obligation that you owe it to yourself." ... yes defending yourself against a guy in uniform WILL sned you to jail before deportation.
I agree completely with charan's "Shaking a person is not an assault.": yes, it's not, you can't prove it was violent, you and can't prove he TRIED to punch you. (it could be different if you were a woman). Shaking you while telling you you can't do the finger gesture is a very compassionate response (the appropriate response for what you did is to stop you, call the police, and let them arrest you).
The finger gesture is very offensive and you would be sent to court and fined.
An example is what I stated above. Expatguy is claiming that the driver on the OUTER lane of a two-lane left-turning section did an illegal U-TURN.
Actually, (with respect to expatguy), he is on the wrong lane position. He was going to the left so he should be on the OUTER LANE not the inner lane.
The OUTER LANE are allowed to turn left or make a u-turn in anticipation of the inner lane going u-turn also.
If you are on the INNER lane going left and the guy on the outer lane makes a u-turn, you have to GIVE WAY to him to make a U-turn because you are out of position. Blowing your horn doesn't make you right.
I think this is one subtlety of the road rules here in Qatar that is why there are near-misses or in fact collisions in left turns and a lot of horn blowing.
Just observe this on the intersections with two-lane left-turning sections.
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yeah..charan..:)
-Give a way to the Speeding L/C..
-Turn left from the right lane and vice versa
-Never indicate the turn
-never stop on the Stop sign
.. and many many other local rules that westers yet to learn..
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“You become responsible forever for what you have tamed”. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
There is always a first time!!! experience makes a man wiser!!! u live, u learn!!!
Welcome to Doha.
Yes have pity on Philippines. Atleast for the sake of Hot Hot Philippinas :)))))))))))
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
qatarisun - not the seasoned westerners. newbie westerners.
Like Give way to the Speeding L/C. No honking to people wearing national dresses. No raising fingers. No swearing to others to name a few.
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
but you are generalizing..... not all men in uniform in our country are like that.
This is a forum read by people from different countries and you come up with a statement generalizing our countrymen in uniform.
Please read your statement again and again and again. And think what would be your impression of the Philippines if you were not a Filipino?
Geez.... have pity on our country!
TO others... sorry for the hijack but I have to react
mata hari, westerns do not need to pass a driving test, they can exchange their licences in 15 minutes at the traffic dpmt...but..... charan, what are the local rules which westerns don't know about? please, can you give me an example?
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“You become responsible forever for what you have tamed”. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
treysdad..i'm not bashing the phil.. haven't you remember the shooting of a student due to verba argument in a traffic in ortigas a few years back(it was then sen. ramon mitras nephew who was involved)..how about that lawyer who shot a poor jeepney driver due to traffic altercation?? as i was telling expatguy..think hard before you do those kind of gestures..is that off topic??
I experienced something similar but the guy was not from the army or anything...or from what i could tell from his dress. So i'm on a roundabout right behind this pathfinder and when no car was approaching, he drives straight slowly not indicating, and from the the position of the car, you could well tell that he was going straight...I'm right behind him and this guy is almost coming to a standstill (this is in the middle of roundabout during traffic time with cars approching straight on us from the left side).
The guy decides to turn left last minute and still driving slowly.....so i honk and flash the light on him. I could see some car that had to brake to avoid hitting me on the side. to make the story short...the guy follows me and i pull over at a cigar shop and he comes straight up to me and starts talking to me in arabic assuming im qatari..lol...not. i lower my window and start going off on him too and cursed the living s**T out of him with all the words i picked up from reading asterix oblix, tin tin and God knows what lol....then he said the most frequently used statement by the locals....DO YOU KNOW I'M QATARI...lol....my answer ...so what if you r qatari you piece of s*** why do you think im in your country....he goes like ..you want money....and i told him...no you piece of **** **** **** ** *** it's because you cant do anything for you country. Now get on your car and go teach yourself how to drive.
to make it even more interesting...i enter the cigar shot cursing (you know who) and right on the spot where the cigar i smoked are placed stands a local with his head down and saying zilch....didnt even move an inch.....lol....i only came to recall this guy while in the car driving back.
so from my experience...i can only tell you that you are a chicken....you should have stood up for yourself when the guy tried to punch you. Defending yourself is not a right but an obligation that you owe it to yourself. I'd rather go back knowing i beat the shit out of someone who tried to hit me than go back the way you did.....time for karate lessons my friend.
mata hari - Romania is counted as an EU country by Default & has no recognision here. You are not a western country and I said westerner. read carefully.
Yes I have a kinky satisfaction of telling the truth to anybody's face irespective of who he is. Even if he/she happens to be a romanian.
The thruth Hurts right.
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
lmao - "a kinky satisfaction of posting nonsense"
That wins my award for QL comment of the day. Genius.
..again! Even if I am coming from an EU country they didn't convert my driving license, I had to give exams to take the local one and on normal gear car; I heard they started to allow on auto..and there are a lot of expat women in this case(I know u love us sooooo much!!)Believe me,there is no "local" exceptional rule to learn in school here, maybe missing something v.important in Qatar, like prevention in traffic..."Blaming others"... I think you have a kinky satisfaction of posting nonsense!!!
Tortor ... what are you trying to do? bash the Philippines? stay on topic and don't do unnecessary comments that malign other countries.
Charan.... I agree with you. They don't know the rules of the road here and think it's the same in their countries.
expatguy.forget about it..next time just stay cool..you are lucky he just shook you up..if it happens in the philippines you could have been shot already especially if he's in the service..
mr1968 - Pl. accompany expatguy to the nearest police station to make the complain & let us know what happenned afterwards. I will provide a Translator Free of Charge in case the officer has some difficulty in Queen's language.
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
I completely agree with kee32. Staying quiet and not reporting will only, in time, make incidents like these become more acceptable and thus more frequent. If a man in uniform tries to pull someone's wife out of the car, then I guess all bets are off -- Right. Its all about dignity. So at least report it and perrsue it as far as you can expatguy08.
treysdad - westerners don't go for the Driving test. They just convert their licence to local one here and don't know local rules. Then blame others when something happens.
Talking about Human Rights when they commit crime in the 1st place.
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
kiwis - "I don't think you have a bloody clue what your talking about"
Pl. consult your co. Lawyer if you have any (or if your company can afford to keep one) for presious infomation on local laws & Customs.
I am not in a mood to discuss this matter with British Expert Lawyers & Guardians of HR anymore.
Last piece of Advice. Show your Finger next time you happened to be offended by another Guy and see the results by yourself.
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
And just charge it to experience.
Your claim that he made an illegal U-turn will not hold water because they have a different rule here. Because it will show that you are on the wrong lane yourself.
When I took my driving classes here, the instructor told me that on a two-lane left turning section, the inner lane is primarily for those making a U-turn and the outer lane is for those turning left. So most drivers on the outer lane will anticipate that the one on the inner lane will make a U-turn. That is why my instructor's advise is if you are turning left, stay on the outer lane no matter how long the line on that lane.
This is also why on a road test you will fail if you go to the inner lane when the police tells you to turn left on a two-lane left turning section.
I guess you were exempted from a road test to get a license here.
His reaction is not that of a man in uniform but what can you do? Just forget and remember to stay on the correct lane next time.
Charanmafiriayls - what you have said is ridiculous that being shaken violently for 30 seconds is not assault - maybe you should check your dictionary? Remember he also went to punch him.
Remember that expat was provoked by the local driver when he was just about injured in an accident caused by illegal and dangerous driving.
Yes expat may be charged with behaving incorrectly but the only reason no charge might be laid against the other person is because he was a local and not that it isnt against the law for a local to act in this way.
Since you seem to think you have a grasp on the local law - is it legally acceptable for people to assault someone here. I think you will find its not.
I am not going to enter into further discussion with you on this one - I don't think you have a bloody clue what your talking about.
This one, I have to ask - charanmafiriyals
"Shaking a person is not an assult."
Are you sure about that? It is assault by most definitions. Provocation is only a defence for murder.
/But then again, what do I know. I read UK law 15 years ago. Ah well..
//As for the knowledge of local laws and lawyers, I'm sure you know better. But refer to one line in my previous post. If it's not clear, then let it be a guessing game.
"we have the right to stand up for ourselves"
check you did the right in the 1st place :)
This, I agree with you. 2 wrongs don't make a right. And Yada yada, as per what I said before.
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Life is short. Live it to the fullest!
kiwis - "Yes he could be fined for giving the finger - SO WHAT but the other person involved should also be dealt with for assault."
Shaking a person is not an assult. It is a rection to the provocation instigated by the expatguy.
The case of Indecent Behaviour on a public place will be filed aginst him who carried the procation aand no case will be file agaist the other party.
Ask from a Local Lawyer(not a british)if you have any doubts.
"we have the right to stand up for ourselves"
check you did the right in the 1st place :)
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
expatguy, sorry to hear about your experience. Pity you didnt get his car details because with the witnesses who helped you out of the car and the concerned police officer(as he seemed willing to help), you couldve taken it further. However hindsight is a wonderful thing, and reporting matters to the police arent straight forward here, as you dont know what to expect.
Hope you recover soon from this experience, its enough to shake anyone.
Your posts are not constructive - they are petty and aimed at Kee32. She is merely saying that we have the right to stand up for ourselves and its sad that most people living here bow down and take the crap that is being dished out just because we are expats.
Yes he could be fined for giving the finger - SO WHAT but the other person involved should also be dealt with for assault.
What can happen here or in such a case if Q ppl can carry guns?!OOOPS!
Kee32 - "At least my posts are constructive about the case in point"
You posts are absoulte Gems that can land the Guy in Jail. make coments if you know the local Rules & Regulations not British Rules & regulations.
"Absolutely nonsensical time wasting on your part."
It is between me & My Employer not you :)
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
I believe the canary is right. The little birds that whisper in our ears ought to be listened to.
Kee32 - right is not always might. In my post above, I didn't say do nothing and just accept. Certainly do something and the OP did - he informed us all and the entire world what happened - without pinpointing the precise person who did it. He pointed out the organisation - good enough. It's also vague enough to avoid trouble. So the powers that be at EAF should take note and things can only change for the better.
IMO, the OP did the right thing but should stop at this. In fighting for your rights, there is always more than one way to skin a cat. Always.
Giving in is a concept or idea of weakness but it is not really. Note a bamboo - it gives in to harsh winds but it doesn't break, does it? In fact, it swings back after a while to pack a wallop.. andthen sways away again.. la di da...
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Life is short. Live it to the fullest!
Charan... I don't have the energy to argue with you when I have only good intentions. At least my posts are constructive about the case in point - and not picking on other people's posts. Absolutely nonsensical time wasting on your part.
I am sorry about what happen to you. I think the Traffic Department should provide a good seminar. I always encountered people making U turns even if they are in the wrong lane... Don't be shock, let me remind you that You are not in your country, know what i mean...
It is not worth it road rage makes you do all kinds of things and in the end it does not make you happy because you end up in your office in a bad temper if you manage to end up there alive.
Kee32 - I am still waiting to see you doing something about this instead of reading my incredibly petty post :)
You can not do a Hoot about this exept typing nonsense in this Box :)))))))))))
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
I could imagine your temper flying out in all directions,
The day you decide to visit my confession booth please be aware as you said: of no one shook my soul out of my body, or my body out of my dress.. :):):)
LOL
You are such a silly billy, just go to the next U-turn you can get involved in the next fight especially when some women are busy on the telephone and trying to make a u-turn in a four wheel drive - then see the road rage with the men lol lol lol
What are you saying the UK managed to kill a young Qatari student a couple of months ago and they will be treated the same in Britain - do you want to tell me there is no road rage in Britian. Go and read the British newspapers!!!!
My point is that if it happened to me i'd take a stand. I do it every day in my office and don't just 'sit behind a box' wasting time.
If you aren't able to see the good in people's comments - why do you bother to comment at all? Incredibly petty post there Charanmafiriyals.
It is not always the court that decides how to proceed, often the Public Prosecutor has a say in the matter. Showing bad temper from either of them prooves they should not be on the street driving.
Often the PP will weigh up the subject and see if this can be settled out of court. It all boils down to who goes to the police first.
Unfortunately he reacted quickly in motion but did not use his brain, he should have taken the car number and gone immediately to the police.
He should not have opened his window and should have locked his door the right way to go about self defense.
Another thing don't weigh the incident with one or two Qataris to high, I have seen many Asians and to my great shame Europeans driving now in the same manner not to mention other Arab nations.
We should all take great care and value life on the road it boils down to how we behave not the other.
The court will not always protect nor support the Qatari as in my own case, there was no evidence and I did not do anything except flach. However, verbal or physical abuse is not tolerated here in Qatar on the road. On the other hand he roped in the incident himself, if he goes to the police he will be charged in the first instance with insulting a Qatari and no matter the offence after the fact he will pay.
canari... then i am not a "safe driver" too.. :(.. when some idiots doing some idiotic stuff similar to the one described in the post, i am swearing like... like who? like a drunken tramp..
once it was sooo funny.. lol... once someone pissed me off so much, that i started swearing first in english, then turned to another language and finished in the third one.. very emotionally, passionate, investing all my inspiration, like I usually do everything.. .. and then...OMG! i realized that MY BOTH SIDE WINDOWS WERE OPEN!! I carefully looked around...all the men in their cars were looking at me and.. smiling.. :):).. yes, they opened their windows too to make sure they didn't miss a word...:):).. probably they thought "what a b***!"...but thanks god, no one stopped my car and no one shook my soul out of my body, or my body out of my dress.. :):):)
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“You become responsible forever for what you have tamed”. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
"so its our duty to say something and try and make a difference here - for everyone."
Agree do that without waisting your time behind a Box :)
Let us know what you are going to do.
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
you were lucky you could have been deported for this...
and heavily fined....
next time please tell us first so we can come and watch ;)
Just seems with each day i'm here i'm learning about more and more unfair and unjust treatment, which frankly, locals would never get in any of our home countries. So its more than a little depressing to hear people giving in. I totally accept your points and we're clearly on the same page. I just get fed up hearing how 'there is nothing we can do'. And i'm not saying that for my benefit. I can quite easily go to London and have a good life again. But many of the people who suffer directly are the poorer people in labouring jobs, and who sticks up for them? They don't have a voice - so its our duty to say something and try and make a difference here - for everyone.
I completely agree with you when saying its sad that everyone just says to forget it. I too said in my comment that it probably wasnt worth going to the police but only because I feel that if you are not a local person then basically you have no rights - no matter how wrong and disgusting it may be.
I think - big deal that you gave someone the finger when he almost killed you - but here they can just about kill you and then assault you when you react to them - its ridiculous.
I myself am not scared of being sent home or even going to jail if I needed to stand up for what I felt was right.
This place is frikin crazy in some ways and I personally feel that the local people can treat expats like animals and the law will support them.
EXPATGUY08 - if you feel you want to then I would applaud you for going to the police to report this - he physically assaulted you - you had a right to react to him driving in a way that was not only illegal but endangered your life and the life of others.
I completely agree with you when saying its sad that everyone just says to forget it. I too said in my comment that it probably wasnt worth going to the police but only because I feel that if you are not a local person then basically you have no rights - no matter how wrong and disgusting it may be.
I think - big deal that you gave someone the finger when he almost killed you - but here they can just about kill you and then assault you when you react to them - its ridiculous.
I myself am not scared of being sent home or even going to jail if I needed to stand up for what I felt was right.
This place is frikin crazy in some ways and I personally feel that the local people can treat expats like animals and the law will support them.
EXPATGUY08 - if you feel you want to then I would applaud you for going to the police to report this - he physically assaulted you - you had a right to react to him driving in a way that was not only illegal but endangered your life and the life of others.
Excellent post! Well said RED_POPE!!!!!
Expatguy, Some times is not worth your time.
What would happen, If there was no finger gesture and MR. expatguy decided to defend himself from the Qatari?
Who will really win in court?
The Qatari probably will win.
Is everybody so scare to loose their jobs, face deportation, fines or even jail?
Come on people, Where is the fine line of self defense and respect?
Honestly, I would take my risk on defending myself. Knowing that I'm right in my heart. I will not give them a reason for it, but neither will drop my guard expecting retaliation. Is not the first time, that I face a similar situation. Is real difficult to choose the proper course of action, it flashes through your eyes in seconds.
Here is the bad thing about it, I know a couple of guys who will kill someone without hesitation in the name of self defense. They just simply don't care.
This just one of the few things that I hate from this flocking country and it is bad enough that a few Qataris and westerners are spoiling the show with bad behavior.
Every one knows that they do love to beat up on innocent people, specially the other races that drive buses and trucks. I have seen that, with my own eyes.
Expatguy
I believe you did the right thing in flipping him, You stood your ground and had the guts to jump that barrier of give me respect, unfortunately you freak out at the end with the Qatari gents retaliation. Next time don't do it, If you are not sure or willing to follow up.
Is it just me who thinks its really sad that so many people here are saying 'just forget it', and to just accept this kind of behaviour?
How do things change if we keep quiet and just accept disgusting treatment.
There are laws and regulations for a reason.
I would complain and frankly - if they told me to leave - I would go happily. I'd be safe in the knowledge that I was right, and at least i'd have my self respect. Hope you feel better about this horrible incident.
"Make a difference or make way"
I will make some stickers for all you troubled drivers on doha streets. Cheers!
What allows you to loose control of your temper on the road. You are not alone, if you react with him like that you are reacting with others in the same way - you endanger peoples lives under the same. In my opinion you are not a safe driver - even if he did not take care it doesn't mean you can do the same - have you heard two wrongs never make a right.
You are lucky he just shook you and you still don't know if he has not taken this matter to the police.
I didn't even make a sign and was reported to the police because I dared flash at a car who almost killed me.
dunt hijack :)
Pajju - I saw this when I was on my way to Agra from delhi.
"Bonk Me Please" :)
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
there s another sticker
DONT KISS ME, JUST FOLLOW ME
GM - Yes true. Also a Three Wheeler is catered for Min. 14 Passengers :)
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
"Make a difference or make way"
there are others too.....keep safe distance, horn ok please, dont kiss me.....on indian roads....lol
"Make a difference or make way"
yep it works trust me........i always show gestures....i am safe cause of the sticker lol ;o)
In India The sticker says "Honk Me Please" :)
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
thats very funny - must remember that one. I might try that myself. :)
"Make a difference or make way"
The safest way to avoid such circumstances in future is to put a sticker on your car bumper in RED
It should read like this in BOLD LETTERS .......HORN BROKEN, WATCH OUT FOR FINGER.......
Guys..My wife's driver got Something like this few weeks back in a similar situation. But in his case, he just asked Wat d hell and the other guy (He was from the royal family) chased him & stopped his vehicle infront of him. After an apology he let him go not without a strict n strong warning.
In this case he happend to be more civilized so no man handling and abusive words
Moral of the story Dont mess with local guys eventhough they are at Fault
im very sad after reading the story but what i know in Qatari Rules if someone tries to hit or insult u is a big crime But what i also know is bcz he was the officer in Amiri Air Force and for sure he has some very big WASTA so better to keep quite and try to forget, i know its very hard to forget but what yo do we have to shutup if we are living here......
The only sensible thing you could have done is to crash your car into his merc when he took the illegal U turn and then wait for the law take its course.
Showing fingers is a strict no-no. But crashing into cars who take illegal U turns is permitted. Can I presume you have a Land Cruiser?
Now that we are aware of this happening, esp for newbies like me, course of action / game plan:-
1) Do not show rude finger signs in the 1st place; and
2) In the event of any threats, do not react, stay calm and note down all details - number of stars on uniform, license plate number, description, etc.
There is one more but shan't say.. Ta!
/Btw, I generally believe in full and frank disclosures and transparency. For the avoidance of doubt, the unwritten No. 3 above is NOT "bribe the officials."
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Life is short. Live it to the fullest!
you should've take it to the police station. His assault was bigger than yours & you have witnesses.
get over it. that all we can say..
Moving on is simple; it's what you leave behind that makes it so difficult .
kick him on the crotch and run! seriously, these people who abuse their power should be reported! but there's a big possibility that nothing will happen if you speak up. well, i know its impractical to say "i hope you will soon forget the incident" so i'll just wish you peace of mind!
Sorry for what happened man just for get it.
and next time if you do such a mistake dont try to give up try to knock his teeth down his throat.
very bad experience but if you want my conseil juste forget
Grab his arm and accelerate. Usually works.
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But it's good that you informed people about it so they (and we) are more aware. That is fair comment and you have a few witnesses, although whether they will testify in your favour, is another thing. The point is that you have brought it up. Subsequently, you are wise to let the matter go - agree with Charan.
Also, I hope the 2nd driver - also a member of the Qatar Emiri Air Force can at least verify that to his superiors, unless the one who acted in that manner towards you, IS his superior - Note: he asked you "how many stars the man had on his uniform, what his license plate was etc…" That does show a genuine intent to take note of the matter and hopefully, it will get sorted out internally.
Agree with Tallg's 2nd para - the powers that be in the EAF should take note.
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Life is short. Live it to the fullest!
1 incident like this shouldn't make u decide to pack up n go home.. I have lived here Literally all my life and I think its just grand if you look at all it offers us.. Most of us here have a lifestyle here which we could never have back home wherever that might be..
What a terrible experience. I really feel for you. While everyone says it could happen anywhere, it is only here in this country that someone could get away with assaulting you like this. In more civilised parts of the world you would be able to call the police and KNOW that this person would be charged for assault. HERE it is probably just a waste of your time. The local people are protected and it seems they can act however they want with no repercussions whilst expats just have to deal with their elitist behaviour.
I can understand how you feel like wanting to go home.
I hope that given time you can forget this horrible experience and enjoy some of the better things this country has to offer - LIKE tax free earnings!!
Sorry , i didn't realise.. You're right - better to stay quiet..
I dont think it would make sense to report it since they would consider your gesture as aggravation for tht Guy.. Well now u learned the hard way tht its best to avoid conflict here ... Unless pushed to the limit where you have to stand your ground...
Bad experience, but it could happen anywhere. What makes it more likely to happen here is the fact that obscene hand gestures are considered extremely rude.
However, someone in a forces uniform is effectively on the job and representing their country, so should never do something like this. It would result in severe disciplinary proceedings from the air force if the case was pursued and proved.
Sorry to hear about what happened. You gotta keep your temper in check over here.
Anyone know what would happen if he fought back? Probably a charge of assaulting a Qatari service member? Even though he did not start the altercation?
Never forget the things that really do matter...
britexpat - "you should pursue it with the police,"
Refer to my post above for the Final results.
Uttering F word to someone warrants a QR 1500 fine in the courts. be careful with your gestures.
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
I am very sorry for your experience. It couldn't have been very nice. This is a sad reflection on this person, especially since he's in the forces and must be educated.
Whilst it would be very easy to start mud slinging, I would say that the same incident could have occurred anwhere else in the world, since you gve the guy "the bird"..
If you feel strongly about it, you should pursue it with the police, but without being able to identify the culprit, you probably wouldn't get much action.
Hope you recover from your trauma soon..
You are lucky to escape with only a body shake for showing that Particular Gesture.
If he has reported you to the police it is certainly a court case that warrants a QR 3000 fine and a severe warning from the Judge.
Thanks your lucky stars :)
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
juz try to 4get the matter coz no point in complaining