were there really a lot of people hiking in iraq? on the border to iran? i have to figure that is a pretty small tourist market.

 

I kind of doubt there are a lot of tourists in Iraq right now, especially along the border with Iran. There are plenty of other places in the world to go hiking.

 

Play stupid games.......win stupid prizes

 

Kurdistan's a pretty cool place - and the Kurds are very efficient at keeping the problems out (for the most part).

Still, the border area's full of smugglers and bandits, and they've been there for thousands of years. Much better places to hike, obviously - even without the whole "border with Iran" thing.

 

[QUOTE=thebig33tuna,Aug 3 2009, 07:38 AM] were there really a lot of people hiking in iraq?

 

Mainly "smart" scientists/biologists and other intellectuals do that. Trust me I'm a discovery channel Shark Week fanatic!!

 

[QUOTE=thebig33tuna,Aug 3 2009, 10:38 AM] were there really a lot of people hiking in iraq?

 

"Students of the Arab culture" One "based in the middle east" "Seasoned travelers" "Warned they were near the Iranian border" "Warned many times not to go there (Ahmed Awa)" because it was very near the Iranian border.

So we have self-professed smart people familiar with the language, area and culture, yet despite warnings of the danger, proceed to drift into hostile territory. Really??? Either the story is a little off, or these intellects deserve to spend some time in an Iranian prison or whatever that country determines their fate to be. Sure it would be nice if they gave them a few lashings and sent them on their way. I think it's a great time for these three to learn all about personal responsibility.

 

^ they were probably nabbed inside iraq by iranians. like the british marines that were taken by revolutionary guard in international waters