Effective Sept 15th 2001, the Kuwait Amateur Radio Society
(KARS), in conjunction with the Kuwait Ministry of Communications, has
authorized the use of the callsign 9K2USA.  All Radio Amateurs of Kuwait
will be using this single callsign.  NINE KILO TWO UNITED STATES of
AMERICA will be heard on all bands, all modes being used by all Kuwait
Amateurs simultaneously.
 
As a small token of the sympathy and support for the people of
the United States from the citizens of Kuwait, and as an
expression of deep condolence, the callsign will be used until the end of
September.

For the past few days many people have asked me to comment on
the feeling and mood in Kuwait.  People ask after my safety, and
express concern for me being here in the Middle East.

It is hard for me to describe the genuine outpouring of
concern, sympathy and support that is shown to me; not only by
Kuwaitis, but people of all Asian nationalities.  People stop me in the
street and ask "Are you an American?  I just wanted to tell you how sorry I
am ..".  At the gas station yesterday, I had to argue with the cashier to
take my money (after he heard my accent) --  Now that would be nice if
it  happened at home.

Kuwaiti friends and colleagues in the Kuwait Army
call me twice a day (and visit me once a day) to check that my
wife and I are safe, and that we have all the comforts we need.  In a
rather unnerving event two days ago, a car pulled me over on the
freeway.  The driver (a Kuwaiti who spoke impeccable English) came over to
my car and asked "Are you American?  I just wanted to express my horror
.."
 
Am I safe?  You bet.  The Kuwaitis will make sure of it.
Having a couple of aircraft carriers, and squadrons of fighter jets,
and many thousands of US troops close by helps too!
 
 The Kuwait Amateur Radio Society (KARS) will be doing the QSL
chores. They will put together a common database, and all QSLs will be
via 9K2RA.  The e-mail address for KARS is 9K2RA@KARS.ORG.  May I
suggest  that an e-mail to them expressing your personal feeling (good
or bad) may be appropriate.
 
9K2USA is not 'my' callsign.  This callsign is for all people
of the United States of America, and those of all nationalities who
have been affected (directly or indirectly) by the tragic events of this
past Tuesday.  I will not be posting my 9K2USA QSOs on-line as I do
with my other 'personal' callsigns.
 
The actual QSL card to be used for 9K2USA will be chosen by
the Kuwait Amateur Radio Society.  However, I will post my personal
9K2USA card on my website within the next 24 hours.  This is a blank QSL
card, and can be copied from www.k4cy.com (just click on the 9K2USA link).
While the artwork and/or text is not original, I believe it appropriately reflects
the situation.

My personal condolences and best wishes to all,
Salaam Aleikum,
Bob, K4CY/9K2ZZ