OT. Norman Kember

[john]

Why doesn't the government ban travel to places such as Iraq. It shouldn't be possible for such a do-gooder to set foot in such a place of hatred.

[Colin Wilson]

Generally speaking, with the exception of genuine charity workers, the people who are there at the moment are there for one reason - money.

Even if they`re not waving a gun about, they`re mercenaries in all but name.

Would you, a regular citizen, consider visiting Iraq for ANY reason at present ?

No, and neither would I.

[john]

...and look how they treat charity workers. They have such a radically different system of values. It is impossible for the western democratic mind to understand them. Keep away.

[Tony Bryer]

AFAIK our government is not in a position to ban us from going anywhere. The Foreign Office issues advice on (not) visiting certain countries but it is no more than this.

[Christian McArdle]

What right do you or the government have to tell charity workers to withdraw their much needed services?

Christian.

[Rob Morley]

In case you hadn't noticed, Iraq is just over the road from Turkey, and only totalitarian governments attempt to prevent their citizens from travelling freely.

If you think he's a do-gooder presumably you don't value his continued existence too highly anyway, so why do you care?

[tarquinlinbin]

Rubbish.hes an adult,he rolled the dice and hes about to pay with his life.

Remove antispam and add 670 after bra to email

[Terry]

While first of all deploring any group or society that uses or condones such vindictive, cowardly and useless tactics, going voluntarily into such a situation is known to be risky. So one is very much 'Entering the lion's den' as it were! It also makes it very difficult for one's home government to look after or intercede on one's behalf in the normal manner that should occur with 'authorities' in an organised, smoothly running and non corrupt society. I'm not sure that such self-sacrifice IS really productive; even though it may persuade some people in the targeted society, other than the 'abductors' themselves, that these are 'pretty decent and helpful people' who have come to help us voluntarily 'from a society of caring and helpful people'! However the abductors may be laughing all the way to the bank. With in their minds; "If not these foolish sheep to use or make a point with/about, or raise money from ransoming and possibly killing, there's plenty of others!" Opinion