USA’s travel advisory to its citizens to be most vigilant while travelling to/across India as a terrorist strike is imminent at any place across the nation is laughable, to say the least. We are at a loss to know from where this ‘sudden enlightenment’ came from.
It seems the self-proclaimed Super Power nurses paranoid delusions since 9/11. Even after passage of more than seven years, these delusions persist in the American psyche. While other nations fell victims to occasional terrorist threats and attacks, USA remained pretty comfortable caring two hoots to the painful state of other nations after falling victims to terror attacks. Its complacency was so strong that it was impervious or immune from such horrendous crimes committed by religious fanatics across the world.
And USA’s role in nurturing the lunatics was condemned by many nations and those condemnations were never attended to by the successive governments of America.
USA is now engaged in an hot pursuit of Taliban and Al-Quaida elements engaged in fierce battle against the Army of Hamid Karzai regime who is presently the head of Afghanistan, ruling ofcourse with the whole-hearted support of USA. It is somewhat amusing to note here that the Taliban elements and also the Al-Quaida militants led by World’s most wanted terrorist Osama Bin Laden were provided with money power and logistical support to fight against the erstwhile Soviet Union to drive them away from Afghanistan. The Frankenstein’s monster later turned against its own god-father is a cruel joke of history. This creature even went to the extent of striking at the very nerve-centre of its creator on 9/11, thus giving an unexpected and unforgettable jolt and in the process snuffing out the lives of 3000 innocents.
The hunt for the perpetrators still continues. A massive hunt followed, Guantanamo Bay, Abu Graib, extra-ordinary rendition and hitherto unheard of cruelties like water-boarding were committed with the overt support of George Walker Bush, the former President. His hawkish approach could only inflame the religious passions of a community thus making a lot of Muslim nations its enemy. Barack Obama, his successor is now busy engaged in a damage-control exercise and in hot pursuit of befriending the Muslim nations across the globe and his historic speech at Cairo University is a pointer in that direction. How far he will be able to succeed in his venture is another thing. But such a positive approach itself is something to be applauded. While President Obama was addressing a large gathering at Cairo University it is sort of ‘tamasha’ (comedy) that an advisory to its citizens to be vigilant while travelling to and across India, World’s largest democracy by the US government.
True, India occasionally falls victim to terrorist attacks. But an advisory at the present juncture to its citizens is somewhat baffling. It is worthwhile to note that a terrorist attack can affect anywhere across the World. USA is not an exception.
Citizens across the Globe sometimes are subjected to humiliations by the American Intelligence authorities in the name of security checks. Even VIPs fall victims to their paranoid delusions. Recall the humiliation our former Defence Minister, George Fernandez had to undergo years ago. He was strip-searched by the intelligence authorities after a prolonged grilling on suspicion of being a terrorist. No amount of explanation could satisfy the security officials. Recently an Indian super-star had to undergo similar grilling at the hands of those officials. The Indian super-star was not that ‘super’ to US security officials. These types of absurd and meaningless steps are nothing but the after-shocks of 9/11.
The reason behind USA’s not-so-friendly-attitude is not at all a mystery. The greatest democracy from ‘time immemorial’ wanted to keep a check on India. India’s development in various fields are not to the liking of Uncle Sam. And to have a check on it USA found a convenient way by providing money and logistical power to the ‘traditional enemy’ Pakistan. As if by reading the mind of US authorities, Pakistan turns its guns in the direction of India (now nuclear weapons also), provides assistance and training to all sorts of terrorist elements who try to intrude across the border to create massive law and order problems, destruction of life and property, thus trying to deflect the attention of the authorities away from the developmental agenda of the nation as a whole. Pakistan has already been classified as the epicentre of terrorism. Whether they take pride in this categorization is something to be watched. Otherwise the release of Hafeez Muhammed Saeed, the founder of LeT and also JuD by the Lahore High Court and USA’s ‘vow of silence’ on this serious matter is deplorable.
As one strategic analyst pointed out, it is time for India to stop holding on to the coat-tails of USA and evolve a foreign policy framework and engage in bringing international pressure on Pakistan to desist from indulging in nefarious activities to wreak havoc with the peaceful atmosphere in our nation. Whether the foreign policy mandarins will listen to his advice is something to be awaited and seen.
Archive for the Category »Travel Advisory «
Every year, hundreds of thousands of business travelers go to all points of the globe. A business traveler’s personal safety is always potentially at risk – even if their destination is just a short distance away.
Below are some basic safety tips that when followed, can help make you less vulnerable when on the road.
1. Don’t Go Solo – If possible don’t travel alone. If you do have to travel alone, set up scheduled times to check in with someone at home. If you don’t check in, they will immediately know that something is wrong.
2. Be Aware – Being aware of your surroundings is one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself safe. If something seems unusual or out of place – it probably is. Trust your instincts.
3. Don’t Stand Out – Avoid behavior or dress that will make you stand out from the crowds – especially when traveling overseas.
4. Know the Area – It is important to be up to date on the area that you are traveling to. This includes any travel warnings and any regional/local issues, especially political. You should also be familiar with where you will be staying and the places you will need to visit while you are there.
Visit the State Department’s website (travel.state.gov) for information about the country you will be visiting. They will also post any travel warnings or alerts. For additional information, call the U.S. Department of Transportation Travel Advisory and Airport Safety Hotline (800-221-0673).
5. Have a Code Word – The number one way that people are kidnapped in foreign countries is by reading your name off of a sign that a driver is holding at the airport, duplicating the sign and standing in front of the real driver. To avoid this, have a code word that you can ask from the driver.
6. Your Hotel – Avoid hotels with rooms that open to the outside and rooms on the first floor. Be sure to use the extra lock on your door and to secure all valuables. Know where the emergency exits and stairwells are. In the event of an emergency, you want to know exactly where to go.
7. Meet in Public Areas – Never use your hotel room for meetings. Treat it as you would your bedroom at home – as a personal space for sleeping.
8. Know What You Have – Make photocopies of your driver license, credit cards (front and back) and passport. In case they are lost or stolen, you will know exactly what you had and for your credit cards, you can easily call the customer service numbers to cancel them. Keep the photocopies in a safe place or scan them and e-mail them to yourself. If you use a web-based e-mail service, you will be able to get to the documents anywhere you have internet access.
9. For Female Travelers – Female business travelers are at a greater risk when traveling, especially overseas. Wear a wedding ring – even if you are single. A cheap, fake ring can go a long way in deterring criminals. Also, wearing your hair down or in a pony tail should be avoided; this makes an easy way for someone to grab you.
10. Have a Plan – In case something does happen it is important to have a plan and a good support system. Discuss with your family/friends what to do in case of an emergency. The U.S. Department of State has a Citizen’s Emergency center that you can contact for assistance in case of an emergency situation abroad – 202-647-0900.
I usually hear people talking about their travels around the world. They love to visit relatives and friends in different cities and countries. Sometimes they travel to resorts. A travel advisory is a public notice issued by a government agency to provide intellect about the relative safety of traveling to or visiting one or more specific destinations. Normally when traveling more then several hundred miles, they choose to fly. I’m not going to tell you about where to find the best flights deals, vacation packages or other money saving tips. What I am going to tell you is many of the key travel tips that will make your adventure that much better when you go!
One of the first tips is to do research via the internet on where you’re going. Know what you’re getting into and what you can do when you get there. Sometimes you can find local money saving coupons or promotions for things to do when you get there, but finding them online and being miles ahead of the game can make your trip that much better. If you’re going somewhere that a different language is spoken, buy a rapid guide online and learn a few phrases. Research different communities near by, the weather, local customs and more! Spend the time to know before you go and your trip will be that much better!
The second part of traveling is staying healthy. This might not occur to you before you get on a plane, but it is one of the most strong parts. If you go to the pool somewhere and end up feeling ill the entire time, what’s the point of being there? I know this one first hand. Last time I went on a large trip, I caught the flew on the way there. I didn’t get sick until about 4 days into the vacation, but what a waste of money, effort and time! I couldn’t leave the room. The key here is to do several small items to stay healthy during your travel. The first is to never touch your eyes mouth or nose with your hands. The second is to always wash your hands in case you accidentally break the first rule. The third is to take a good vitamin supplement before going. These three things will aid your body in not getting sick and will save your vacation, travel, or trip from being miserable!
The third notable part of traveling is to make sure you do it comfortably. There is nothing worse then going through a horrible day of traveling and ending up at your destination angry or miserable. The smallest part of these recommendations can make the biggest effect on your travel days. Wear soft, lose, and comfortable clothing. Most airports make you take your shoes off, so wear sandals or flip flops because they are easy to remove and put back on. I usually wear a sarong while traveling because it is comfortable, soft and easy to wear (not to mention is ads style and fineness to almost any outfit – especially when traveling on a vacation). This is regularly an overlooked part of traveling but can make a meaningful difference on your mood and trip!
Keep these small suggestions near your travel paperwork, bring them with you. This way you won’t overlook. Trust me when I say traveling is much better when you’re prepared, healthy, and comfortable!