With the current worsening situation in Iraq and the level of animosity that seems to be developing is travelling through Iran and Pakistan anymore problematic than say 2 years ago. I know that bad things can happen, they can happen anywher anytime but I still have faith in human nature and the hope that people can just get on with each other. Feel free to call me a hippy if you like.

Owain,

You're spot on with your belief in human nature.

All the overlanders we've had stay with us who have come that way recently have enjoyed both countries and found the people very friendly. Although bad things can happen if you're unlucky, I think you're probably safer there than in London...

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no pipe, no slippers
www.chasingthesun.org

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no pipe, no slippers
www.chasingthesun.org

We're riding UK-NZ and so far Iran and Pakistan have been the friendliest, most welcoming countries we have travelled through.

Don't be scared by CNN.

www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/richardandlisa

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Rich
www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/richardandlisa
www.youtube.com/richparkie

I posted this article on another part of this bulletin board...however, this seemed relevant.....enjoy.

LONDON (Reuters) - A majority of people surveyed in a global poll think the re-election of George Bush (news - web sites) has made the world more dangerous and many view Americans negatively as well, the BBC said Wednesday.
The survey by the British broadcaster showed that only three countries -- India, the Philippines and Poland -- out of 21 polled thought the world was safer following Bush's election win in November.
Bush will be inaugurated for his second term Thursday.
On average across all countries, 58 percent of the 22,000 surveyed said they believed Bush's re-election made the world more dangerous.
"This is quite a grim picture for the U.S.," said Steven Kull, director of the Program on International Policy Attitudes at America's University of Maryland.
The survey found that 56 percent of Americans thought Bush's win was good for the world with 39 percent disagreeing.
Traditional U.S. allies in western Europe, such as Britain (64 percent), France (75 percent), and Germany (77 percent), were among the most negative about Bush's re-election.
A majority in Italy (54 percent) and Australia (61 percent), which both have troops in Iraq (news - web sites), also thought his win had made the world more dangerous.
Anti-Bush sentiment was strongest in Turkey, with 82 percent thinking his win was bad for peace compared to just 6 percent in support. A large majority in Latin American countries, including 58 percent in close neighbor Mexico, were also negative.
Analysts said the poll had far-reaching implications, suggesting a serious rise in anti-U.S. feeling in general, with 42 percent saying it had made them feel worse about Americans compared to 25 percent who made it think more of them.

IRAQ OPPOSITION

There was also overwhelming opposition to sending troops to Iraq, even among close allies such as Britain.

"Fully one in four British citizens say the Bush re-election has made them more opposed to sending troops to Iraq, resulting in a total of 63 per cent now opposed," said Doug Miller, president of GlobeScan which carried out the poll.

"Our research makes very clear that the re-election of President Bush (news - web sites) has further isolated America from the world."

The survey found that 47 percent of those questioned now see U.S. influence in the world as largely negative.

"Those saying the U.S. itself is having a clearly negative influence in the world still do not constitute a definitive world-wide majority, suggesting there may be some underlying openness to repairing relations with the U.S.," he said.

The survey was conducted between Nov. 15, 2004 and Jan. 5, 2005.

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If you want to stay alive on your trip around the world, PUT CANADIAN STICKERS ON YOUR BIKE. IF you want to be jailed or abused, put an AMERICAN FLAG on your bike.

Admittedly not recent but when I crossed Iran in the mid 80's the only cas I spent was on rediculously cheap fuel, the hospitality of the people meant I was unable to buy food or pay for lodgings, the Ayatollahs were at their height as regime but the reality bore no resemblance to how the media portrayed it.

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Buckster
(like napster but without the
music and stuff)

hi there,

i am in pakistan for the moment and i must say its the most friendlyiest country i visited in the last 14 months.
greetz
niels

Hey Niels. I am in Pakistan also.
0300-361-5054

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EARTH RIDE!
Understanding the world through adventure travel.
www.strikingviking.net

hi viking,

i will try contact you. i'm in gilgit for the moment, tommorow hunza, and afther that going down to swat, peshawar and quetta.
c u
greetz
niels