The Indian-American CEO of SardineAI, a US-based startup, said the US is not doing anything to rescue its citizens stranded in the Middle East and it is difficult to watch other countries like the UK, France, Italy and India bringing back their citizens while the US government has abandoned its own.
Ranjan posted on The post added: “After 4 days of adrenaline and constant fear, I feel frustrated and abandoned by our government. It is difficult to watch other countries – the UK, Israel, Spain, Italy and India – repatriate their citizens or ensure that commercial flights continue to operate to bring them home.”
“I became a naturalized US citizen because I believe in the American dream, the idea that America never leaves its citizens behind in a crisis. I see the American dream being shattered not only for me but also for tens of thousands of other Americans who are stranded,” Ranjan wrote, adding that he had booked dozens of flights as the US government was urging people to leave Dubai but all of these flights were cancelled.
Ranjan noted that commercial flights to the United States have been canceled while flights to other countries are operating.
The US State Department is facing major backlash as the crisis enters its fifth day without any US government plan to evacuate its citizens. The Department of State has issued a helpline number (1-202-501-4444) to assist with departure options. The government also urged its citizens in Dubai to register in the Smart Traveler Registration Program to receive updates. “I am registered with Step and have only received general messages. Furthermore, when you call this number, the message you get is: ‘Please do not rely on USG for assistance with departure or evacuation at this point.’ There are currently no evacuation flights at this time,” Ranjan said. “With funding cuts to US consulates and attacks on US embassies in the region, there is no one Americans can reach out to in the broader GCC region. Can we create an emergency hotline within the US that actually works, and has someone recording more details?” The Indian-origin CEO wrote.
