Iraq
 

Hi

This may be a stupid question, but are there any (relatively) safe areas of Iraq. There's no way I'm going to risk my ass in the south, but what's the situation like in the north - i.e. south of the Turkish border? I've heard the road to the Jordanian border is a defibnite no-go area - is this still the case?

Cheers

Dan

While the German archeologist has just been released there are still 9 westerners currently held hostage. I don't think anybody knows the number of abducted other nationals.

You will stand out like a sore thumb and so make an easy target. I wouldn't...

There are no safe places in Iraq. Do not go there. You WILL get into strife which WILL endanger other people trying to help you. This is fact. The only westerners there are in the fortified Green Zone, or have heavily armed Close Personal Protection teams (mostly ex-special forces). Remember the female British aid worker was kidnapped in the north.

Why would you want to go now anyway? Wait ten years and go in peace.

first, i wonder if any irak embassy would give a visa in the current situation, whatever your nationality is.

Thought as much, shame though. Will have to wait. Regarding visas, I think British nationals (not sure about others) are stamped in at the border, visa issued on the spot. Not sure whether this is true though as I don't speak from experience. Nevertheless, definitely going to steer clear of the country for some time.