Hi wlavelle .....

Ava'squizz at this thread if you get chance.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...d-2008-a-27599

Jimmy who lives up Birmingham-ways started it off earlier this year, and it's grown somewhat. It seems there's a heap of people heading towards Thailand, some on to Australia (me) and a couple with RTW ambitions. If you wade your way through it, you'll find that most are intending to start earlyish next year, and have various routes. Jimmy and Ken are going Stans/China to Thailand, which isn't much good to you. But a couple are looking at the Southern Route (Iran/Pakistan). It might pay you to get in touch with them ....

Then you could take a look at this un .... ShapeUpWorldTour
It's the Blog of a Brit' who did UK to Oz in 2006, going through the area you're concerned about. Take a look at his archive list where you'll find the post for Turkey/Iran and onwards. I recall one mail from him, after I'd asked directly how safe he felt. In brief, he said his experience was a good one.

Aaaaand another one .....

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/skillington/ These guys (Aussies) went through what was reputed to be one of the dodgiest areas on their own without problems too. Again, John was kind enough to answer some questions for me regarding the areas in question.

I'm still harbouring thoughts of the Southern route myself, as there's heaps I'd like to see in Iran. If I do decide to go this way though, will review things just prior to setting out. As the political situation is likely to remain volatile in comparison to Europe.

Hope this info's helpful and puts your mind to rest a tad .... regards Len Jones (Lenz2)