Location, location, location: Egypt is a big country, and events happening in outlying areas have little or no impact on tourist destinations. The soccer riot was in Port Said, 100 miles northeast of Cairo. Clashes in subsequent days at Cairo's Ministry of the Interior were in a section far removed from tourist routes. The incident with the American women was on the Sinai Peninsula, across the Gulf of Suez from Cairo. The article may even say "Cairo" for incidents happening hundreds of miles away - referring to the press office, not the location.
Follow up: Look for the whole story. Often, details that emerge after the initial headline change the tenor of the incident. The American women who were "abducted" were not on an organized or identifiable "American" tour and were taken as an afterthought during the robbery of a small bus. They were released after a few hours, spoke of how they were treated like family and continued their travels in Egypt.
Understanding: What is this about NGOs and Americans not being allowed to leave Egypt? NGOs (non-governmental organizations) are what we would call private nonprofits, charitable organizations. They're controversial in many African countries for many reasons. In this case, some groups encouraging democracy are being investigated for "fomenting unrest" - and they have been on the new regime's radar for a while. This has nothing to do with tourists.
Risk: Still, be smart. Don't venture off the beaten path in an Egyptian city. Your best insurance is booking through the best possible tour company.
http://www.concordmonitor.com/article/311050/before-you-cancel-read-beyond-the-headlines?CSAuthResp=1329081458%3Av1f359l4reuoes8fkio32irl91%3ACSUserId|CSGroupId%3Aapproved%3A1756BFAADD70249C9456CE0111D0D960&CSUserId=94&CSGroupId=1
No comments:
Post a Comment