I would like to thank the gentleman who wrote me concerning his great experience in Iran and appreciate the information and web adress very much. I would like to further ask his opinion about the terrible view, that is for more reasons than one ,looked by many westerners towards these people .I am aware of the recent us history with these countries and the danger that is always thought in traveling to those places. I am not sure about Pakistan and Iraq , I am sure maybe they are worse situations , but WHY is it drilled into our heads repeatedly by the media that those people are really so dangerous and spiteful towards americans. Now as far as Iraq, I can maybe differ somewhat , but the idea is in most Americans I meeet that you would be endangering your life to visit Iran or Afghanistan. I ask to anyone who knows more, what is true and what is political myth?

Just don't find out the hard way.

Perhaps you don't read the news. The US went to war in Afganistan not too long ago and still occupy Afiganistan, and is still at war (though they say it is over) in Iraq. Pakistan is politically quite unstable, has been the hiding place for the Taliban who cross the border from Afiganistan, and there have been kidnappings and murders of American journalists in Pakistan. Iran is a slightly different situation. One would still want to be cautious because of the political situation, but Americans do travel to Iran, and I have not heard of any recent serious safety incidents in Iran for travelers.

As you post questions, let me suggest that you keep your related questions all on one thread, as opposed to posting multiple separate messages. It will make it easier for you to find responses, and easier for people to offer you info without duplicating what has already been written.

See comments/trip report on the Africa Middle East board. I visited Iran last year and the people are extraordinarily friendly and astonishingly pro- American

I assure you, as someone who has travelled in Iran recently with my American husband, that we shouldn't be afraid to go there.

On a trip back from Europe earlier this year I met a chap who had been in Afganistan and having spent several months working there he said that the security situation outside of Ksbul was not great though people themselves were of course friendly/hospitable.

There ia a current trip report on Afghanistan from AAFrequentFlyer on the Africa Middle East board.

Oh yeah, the War. Or it may simply be called bombing an innocent country , whose civilians, despite the crap you see about the invading taliban, are world reknowned for being the kindest and most honest of people on earth. I laugh at the situation I hear on our circus news media about mysteriously disappearing leader of the taliban. I realize that there are certainly dangers in so unsettled an area, but as far as what I have read and experienced from people there, it makes the stories you hear about those people laughable. Anybody care to comment or argue against that?

By the way, Osama Bin Laden, is a foreigner from Saudi Arabia who unfortunately chose Afghanistan as his hide out.

Apparently you are set to go, so why bother inquiring about our thoughts; you just seem to be itching for a fight. And I don't believe anyone here who was gracious enough to respond are going to give you one. No one in response to your original question has said anything negative about the people living in these countries, nor discussed the pros or cons of the military situation. Rather we've mentioned that these areas are unsettled and no one can assure your safety, nor your government being able to come to your aid (ha! ha!) should you get caught up in an incident.

As far as the comments from AAFrequentFlyer, while his post was outstanding, we do not know under what circumstances he actually found himself in Kabul, only that it was at the request of "his Uncle." And I'm sure the protection that was afforded him will not be available to "ce"

So, ce - have a nice trip!

I am really looking forward to it, thanks for your comments.

Agree with Sandi. And if you are so sure of yourself and convictions then why bother posting for reassurances? Honestly I hope you do go. And stay.

Intersting ce appears like you are planning a world tour - you had questions on the europe forum regarding marrying EU citizens, and teaching in Europe.

Are you serious about any of these questions are just seeking opinions from strangers?