Comments on: How To Travel To Iraq Without Getting Killed

By: Dick Andrews

Dick Andrews — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 02:16:02 +0000

Hey Tim – Couldn’t find your email address directly. Can you pls put me in touch with Frank Oatman by email?

Haven’t seen him for 30 years – but would like to. He’ll remember me.

Best – and thanks!
Dick Andrews

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By: Tim Patterson

Tim Patterson — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:56:40 +0000

This decade? Slim. By 2012? Eminently possible.

I see you, Chris Martin and Bono arriving to play a gig at the Hanging Gardens of Babylon by helicopter.

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By: Hal Amen

Hal Amen — Thu, 14 May 2009 13:14:10 +0000

This is great stuff, Tim. Love all the links.

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By: tom gates

tom gates — Thu, 14 May 2009 09:43:52 +0000

You’ve seen me in action. What are the chances that I’ll be in Iraq this decade?

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By: Carlo Alcos

Carlo Alcos — Thu, 14 May 2009 01:09:22 +0000

That was a wicked about face. i could just see it.

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By: Tim Patterson

Tim Patterson — Thu, 14 May 2009 01:00:01 +0000

Oh man, I can just see it on CNN…

“And why did you go to Iraq, sir?”

“WHOOOOOT!! WASSUP MATA-DORRR!”

Seriously folks, be careful and do your research.

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By: Andris Bjornson

Andris Bjornson — Thu, 14 May 2009 00:49:38 +0000

…can’t be too careful these days I guess. The internets are full of those “naieve foreigners” you mentioned.

I’m picturing the next guy who manages to wander into Falluja on blind luck ending up on CNN and going “…and MatadorTrips.com told me Iraq was the place to be!”

Great writing as always, Tim!

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By: Carlo Alcos

Carlo Alcos — Thu, 14 May 2009 00:44:38 +0000

I hereby waive Matador of any liability for anything that may happen to me while in Iraq (unless it’s good, whereby I offer them my kudos).

Sign here: _______________________ Date: _________________

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By: Tim Patterson

Tim Patterson — Thu, 14 May 2009 00:27:02 +0000

Um…

Disclaimer: Travel to Iraq at your own risk.

Thanks for the thoughtful and appreciative comment, Andris.

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By: Andris Bjornson

Andris Bjornson — Wed, 13 May 2009 19:33:11 +0000

Wow, great article Tim…and not even a “Visit Iraq at your own risk, Matador doesn’t in any way encourage you to travel there” disclaimer .

Seriously people, do your homework if you’re even thinking about this. I agree that journos are probably the best source of up to date info, and have heard crazy stories from more than a few. I know of one who backpacked in from Syria, I believe.

This is not a place where a lack of street smarts will just get you lost, scammed, or robbed. Fall prey to a fake police checkpoint and you could end up with a front row seat on the unfriendly side of the debate over why torture is a bad thing…or worse.

Still, more power to you if you do go…the west desperately needs people who understand Arab and Muslim culture first hand. If you’re just looking for a taste, try Amman first….unlike Iraq, Jordan is a very easy place to travel.

Happy Travels!

Andris

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