| FCO Warnings
Without wanting to start an argument with anyone over this, I think we're getting a pity poor service from FCO in this respect. My brother in law works for an engineering firm in the Manchester area and is sent all over the world on rigs,pipelines etc...
Over the last eighteen months he has been almost constantly in Saudi Arabia. The FCO advice has always been "woolly" to say the least. "You are advised to take precautions", "avoid places where westerners, tourists gather etc..etc.." What condescending crap!! What? like residential compounds for example. If terrorists can burst through so called security at these compounds, killing dozens in the process, then surely a grave emergency does exist.
I don't like the idea of giving in to terrorism, but when faced with the current situation in Saudi, then surely FCO should adopt the US embassy position and just say "Leave now". Sometimes I think they're afraid of upsetting other countries or are putting trade considerations above citizens personal safety.
Whenever the question is raised about security and measures being increased, firms justify their presence by saying "well the FCO hasn't told us to leave, has it?"
When you consider Bali, Saudi and everything else thats happening at the moment, I think the FCO has to stand up and be counted, stop mincing words and advise people that they are in danger even if they're nowhere near bars, restaurants and clubs frequented by westerners....after all these people don't flinch at killing their own do they?.
So, if FCO warns you that that there is grave danger and you should leave, then at least you have the choice and cant say later that you weren't warned. Me, and many others I know, would probably still elect to go to the country involved / stay in the country involved and be grateful for the clear warning given.
Have to say the Red Sea has come through all this pretty well, and long may that be the case. Neither the Egyptians nor the Jordanians are going to want any of this shite occuring on the Red Sea shores. I wouldn't be rushing to dive in Sudanese waters at the moment though with all thats going on internally. Thats a shame cause lots of people have told me that diving off the Sudan rates as some of the best in the world.
Dive safe wherever you decide to go!!
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John |