My advice to Kristof about practicing journalism in Iran: quit while you still have a head!
US warns citizens of dangers traveling in Iran
(AFP)
15 May 2004
WASHINGTON - The US Department of State on Friday warned US citizens that travel to Iran could be dangerous.
The State Department renewed earlier warnings that citizens carefully weigh the risks of travel to Iran and check the department’s security updates before going.
“Due to ongoing tensions in the region, particularly along the border with Iraq, US citizens may be at higher risk of harassment or kidnapping,” the State Department said in a statement.
The war in neighboring Iraq as well as tensions between the US and Iranian governments have increased the potential threat, the State Department said.
“Some elements of the Iranian government and population remain hostile to the US,” the statement said.
“American citizens may be subject to the possibility of harassment or kidnapping.
“Some areas of the country, including the Baluchistan border area near Pakistan and Afghanistan generally, are not safe for tourism.
“The Kurdish northwest of the country and areas near the Iraqi border are not considered safe either,” the statement said.
The United States does not have diplomatic relations with Iran, it said, “and therefore cannot provide protection or routine consular services to American citizens in Iran.
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2004/May/middleeast_May416.xml§ion=middleeast