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.
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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!
After all the massive publicity of the Swine Flu, and the closing of all businesses and schools in Mexico, finally things are looking up. Now that more information is present for analysis, other countries as well as United States are realizing how the cases of “Swine Flu” were not, and I repeat, WERE NOT linked with travel to Mexico.
All businesses are open in Puerto Vallarta and tourists are taking advantage and are enjoying at this beautiful haven in Mexico. The Travel Warning that was launched by Centers For Disease Control (CDC) in opposition to “non-essential travel” into Mexico, which has been in effect since 27th April 2009 has finally been lifted and now only a “Travel Health Precaution” is there for travel to Mexico. Canada had previously launched a Travel Advisory for Mexico which was officially lifted on 18th May. This “non-essential travel” warning was put on Mexico due to the excessive media hype that was created about the Flu.
Press conferences were also held where the Canadian Chief Public Health Officer Dr. David Butler-Jones stressed on the fact that the “outbreak in Mexico” now seems to be settling down. He also explained that it did not seem logical to put a travel warning to a country where the spread of the virus was similar to that of Canada; which is minimal.
Since the lifting of this travel advisory, the PHAC will cease to provide notices of health alert to the air travelers that are leaving for Mexico. Also, quarantine officers which were previously placed on almost every direct flight coming to Canada from Mexico, will be removed. Nonetheless, the “Canadian Border Services Agency” will continue keeping a check on all of the air passengers who show signs of being under the influence of the swine flu.
Majority of the Canadian Air Carriers have not formally broadcasted the outcome of the travel ban which was placed on Mexico. However, WestJet has announced that it will continue its “no flight policy” to Mexico till June 20th. But what is great is that Air Canada will definitely make a few trips to Puerto Vallarta in May. So I don’t think you should be waiting any longer, come on down, because here at Puerto Vallarta everything is safe and healthy.
Get more information on Puerto Vallarta rentals, contact Pvrpv dot com at the following numbers. Their Mexican office number is 322.222.0638. In case you are calling from the USA or Canada, call on their local Vonage number 206.388.3703. You can email to Tim at his email address. For more details visit Pvrpv dot com which has been successfully servicing the tourists & local community for the past four years. They have a qualified staff with years of experience and they may help you with rental properties in Puerto Vallarta.