Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
Clever Politicians Clever Politicians
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 20 Aug 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Oxford, U.K.
Posts: 625
Clever Politicians
The hostage problem in Algeria was the first of its kind in Algeria and the desert itself was shown to be safe for some years. But now
following the release of the 14 Europeans in Mali, some politicians are getting very clever about warnings of adventure travel:

"Those who recklessly put themselves in danger just for the thrill of it must also reckon with the fact that they'll be asked to contribute something towards the rescue"
Wolfgang Bosbach, CDU.

OK, Wolfgang, good point. But can you politicians tell us where the next hit is going to be? New York, Morocco, the UN? When you can tell me that, then I'll take some notice. Its no good being clever after the fact.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 20 Aug 2003
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,932
"Those who recklessly put themselves in danger just for the thrill "

A kind of caper that, it appears, was particularly popular with retired pensioners in motorhomes.

It would be good to remember what the German version of the FCO travel advice was saying about Algeria just before it all started. Much like the UK I 'd guess: Tassili-H is OK (as of course it was)

Like every German Saharan knows, the guy is talkng bollocks. Spread the word.

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 22 Aug 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Oxford, U.K.
Posts: 625
And as an example of closing the door when the horse is bolted:
The British FCO advises against all travel to:

Algeria (to the desert and mountainous areas of the South East)

But say nothing in this category of travel warning about the Algerian-Malian border in the SW, the Tanezrouft, the north of the country......

basically these services (can) only ever operate in past tense.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 22 Aug 2003
ctc ctc is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Lincolnshire, England
Posts: 249
The problem with the FCO is that it has to cater for the lowest common denominator ie the independent traveller (in all their forms). Secondly its advice can and is also used as a means of political leverage on a country hence the dire warnings during the India v Pakistan confrontation last year when they advised everyone to get out of India.

Making sound predictions is possible though if you collect the available information (FCO, Google News etc) analyse the situation and establish what the dynamics of a situation are. You can then identify possible events "triggers" which will effect those dynamics positively or negatively.

For instance in Algeria / Mali the successful crack down on the Salafi Group for Preaching and Combat including the capture of Hassan Hattab and Mokhtar Belmokhtar would be a positive trigger. The payment of the ransom is a bad start and sets a dangerous precedent as already discussed on this forum. If true prepare for more hostage taking (a negative trigger).

Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 27 Aug 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Vienna, Austria
Posts: 51
There was definitely no "travel warning" for central Algeria in Germany, neither in January nor in March/April. The warnig covered the densely populated north (usual terrorism) and the extreme south (bandits operating from Niger & Mali).
A so called "travel hint" was issued after the first groups were reported missing - the second wave was caputred or near capture and on the track at that time. There is still no travel warning covering Algeria as a whole so far.
It may be interesting that Switzerland and Austria issued stronger warnings. At the moment, France (any tourism is "formalement deconseille" )and Austria (any tourism, especially north and Sahara) keep up the strongest warnings.

Regards,
Peter
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 03:12.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top