I lived in Saudi Arabia pre 9-11, and when Sadaam was getting Scudsy, they had people come from the embassy that gave my parents a card with instructions on what to do if there was a war. Part of that was a phone number where they could call anywhere in the country, and if you couldn't follow the instructions they'd send someone to collect you.
Man this is fucking pathetic seeing our government this fucking incompetent.
I 1000% believe that it's malice, unfortunately.