Do I dare make the attempt???

[Canadian Dude]

Well I have been toying with this idea for some time now, and I know you'll all think I am crazy, but I really wanna try to cross into Iraq from Jordan...just for one night...About 100km inside the Iraq border is a town call Ar Ratbah...I think if I could just get across the border I could make it there. I have no idea who is watching the border though? Is it the Iraqies or the Americans?

This idea is so nuts i know, but i can't just get it outta my head... i will be so close, and I kow i will never get to do it again in this life time...man, I must be drunk!!!

This is risky i know, and dangerous, and insane...but hey i am just that kinda guy...I prob would not be allowed to cross evn when I get to the border, some one has to be watching it right? Anyway the biggest reason for me not to do it would be my wife...I have top remeber that I have a family and must worry about more than myself sometimes...and all that life insurence would be nul and void is something were to happen, cause it would be most likley an act of war...hmmm...Comments welcome...and yes I know this is frik'n ludacris...but man what an opertunity...

[Sijuki]

C-dude... I know its understood with a thought like that, but you are one crazy mo-fo.

Now with that out of the way.. I would say it would have to be a judgement call once you get over there. I would think if you get there and it seems pretty easy and safe (yeah.. like walking through kashmir with a sign saying you own it and no one else.) then go for it dude. You are a crazy man though. I have absolutely no clue on the the dangers there though. Are there land mines, etc. We all know there are people that don't like Americans... granted you;re Canadian but either way they won't be able to understand what you are saying and probably assume the worst for you. But you're such a friendly fellow probably buy them a beer or something.

Seriously, if you really want to go, I would say check out the border see what is up. I am sure the U.S. or some form of coalition somebody is watching the border, especially for any major highways. Maybe you can talk them into giving you a ride to your town. ha... but you never know, it would definately be a story to tell.

I'm not gonna say either way cause if I said go for it, I would feel bad if something happened. But best of luck.

[peenkfloeed]

Hi man,
As someone that is currently stationed in Iraq I strongly disagree with you coming here. I am not familiar with the town you are going too, but i'll be sure to do a background check on it to see how hostile the area is. There are always patrols going through towns/villages. So you will see a friendly military presence if you do decide to come. I have to caution you that I scroll through LOTS AND LOTS of KIA (Killed In Action) reports and WIA (Wounded In Action) reports every single day. This is not just American Military either, it is American Contractors, other foreign contractors, Iraqi Civilians, etc. There is a huge threat involving IED's (Improvised Explosive Devices), Mortars, SAF (Small Arms Fire), RPG's (Rocket Propelled Grenades), Land Mines, car bombs, etc.

Just do a lot of research on the area and the dangers before taking this trek.

[peenkfloeed]

BTW: Make sure you check out that hotel bombing that happened just a couple of days ago in Baghdad. Many nations had wounded and dead.

[jteichgrab]

i say just arm yourself to the teeth and march in there.

[Ozpacka]

Well CD...

With our man Peenkfloeed on the ground there, i would just wait till he came back with some more info regarding the town that you wanted to visit...

It would be a thrill for sure, and another one of many great stories, but also possibly a great risk.

Just weight it up bro...

Leeroy

[Canadian Dude]

I have to caution you that I scroll through LOTS AND LOTS of KIA (Killed In Action) reports and WIA (Wounded In Action) reports every single day.

I am sorry for the loss bro...I am not trying to make light of the tragities over there to collition troops or Iraqies, not at all bro. You warnings have not fallen on deaf ears my friend.

peenkfloeed, dude, i knew I had a good feeling when you joined the family!! OzPacka & Sijuki, I know i know, curosity kills the cat...but just so temping!!!

I have been keeping an eye on the BBC and CBC for news of military action around the Jordanian border, but have not heard of a whole lot in the region...I will make my way to the border, just to say I made it at least that far, as for crossing it....That is a whole other can of worms I will open when I get there...These are historic times folks...

[Carisia]

CD - Even though things can change day to day at times, I'd check w/ the US embassy, before you leave, on the technicalities of that particular border control area, if at all possible.

But personally, I'd advise you not to do it at this time. These are tumultuous times, currently. I don't want to see you in that kind of risk, but that's me, and my background is 'risk management.' There are too many external and non-conventional risk factors and threats right now. Not enough non-conventional war precedence in that area for us either. I'm not one to be dictacted by fear, but the reality is that there are 'present' and 'unknown' risk factors that could potentially put you in a precarious situation, perhaps, unlikely, but possible...

[space virgin]

hey cd,

like everyone else is saying and I'm sure you already know, be really, really careful... it's not just the US military that is patrolling the borders. I personally don't think you should do it, if for no other reason than you're certain to really piss off your wife! LOL B)

[peenkfloeed]

Hey man,
I've been doing a little research on borders here in Iraq and this is what i've found. It seems that you have to either be a journalist or some other type of ooh-la la type diplomat to cross the border over here. Americans are not the ones that patrol the borders though, it is some kind of Iraqi police. I could not find any info on the town you said, so I don't think it is a hot spot type area. Not too much bad news comes from that AO of Iraq. Hope this info helps you out.

[Canadian Dude]

peenkfloeed, your are the best bro!!!!! Thanks for the heads up...now if I new I was going to be at the Iraq border at a specific date...could ya meet me for a cup of tea???Dude we would be the ultimate Travelpunk.com freaks!!!!!

The crossing of the border into Iraq is a VERY big maybe, like I would need to have 90% confirmation that I would get home to my wife safe, or so she could at least get the insurence money...and act of war don't count...At the least I will make the trip to the border to look....So is it possible for a Mid-East travel meet and geet?

[worldwidemike]

CD, it's your call, of course. However, I would not do it. Too much shit goes on in an "active shooting zone," as I like to call them when talking about countries. And I would certainly take Pink's advice. It's not just coalition troops that are targets. Plus, there is always the mistaken identity thing. Hell, they may think you're CIA!

Besides, assuming this whole mess gets cleaned up eventually, you can always come back to Iraq. It IS one of the cradle of civilization (ironic, isn't it?), so there are shitloads of historical stuff to see. Wait till it's calmed down a tad. I'm doing the same with Iran, which is getting closer, year by year.

And Pink, you take care over there! Stay safe, man. Former Sgt. Mike says so!

worldwidemike

[Sijuki]

C-Dude.... with the events that just occured yesterday, you had better be safe everywhere over there. People are just getting crazy.

[Canadian Dude]

Still doing my research...found this artical Jordan/Iraq border situation

[butternut punkin]

hey CD, you are a brave man and must have the best most understanding , wonderfull wife in the world!! Not thinking of crossing any crazy borders myself but I will be in Turkey and Egypt ove nov-jan ish, not certain of dates and exactly where yet but if you are hanging around there at any time let me know

[Canadian Dude]

hey CD, you are a brave man

Some would say stupid before brave

must have the best most understanding , wonderfull wife in the world!!

I do BP, she is my everything...

I will be in Turkey and Egypt ove nov-jan ish, not certain of dates and exactly where yet but if you are hanging around there at any time let me know

I wish I could be there for a Mid-East Travelpunk Meet and Greet...but I think i hear the pitter patter of little feed when I get back from my Mid-East trip

Its great to see you around BP, have not seen you in a while! miss ya tons baby!!!

[butternut punkin]

thanks CD, been flat out at uni. am trying despirately to graduate this year so I can start earning real money and not be on such a tight budget while traveling! Your not stupid, you are brave, the people who won't try anything are stupid!!

[bellelass]

I'm going to jordan next fall to study, and the same thought has flitted across my mind, although I havent really mentioned it to anyone. I figure if I put on a hijab (so I am not obviously american or western... no one messes with ostensibly "devout" women..) and dont say much and go with some jordanian friends it might be alright.. who knows what might happen in a year? I totally agree, it would kick ass to even go a little into Iraq.


I have my eye on Baghdad but dont dare even attempt it for a long while... But come on! Babylon! The Tigris and the Euphrates...!

[beergal]

personally i think yr freekin craaaazzzyyy well in a good way!

[beergal]

ps wwm ya were kinda hot in that uniform lol