Why would I spend money in a place -- any place -- that sends gay people to jail for being gay? Would you go to a restaurant or shop in a store that advocated that? I sure wouldn't.
11
I seriously think Saudi Arabia has been mis-characterized and mis-represented.
Saudi Arabia, as the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), represents Orthodox Islam.
Orthodox Islam does not equal Extremism.
Extremist organizations such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda have one aim and that is to destroy Orthodox Islam as represented by Saudi Arabia.
This is why the land of Saudi Arabia , and Riyadh especially, has been subjected to so many terrorist attacks by these extremist group EVEN BEFORE 911.
The esteemed religious scholars of Saudi Arabia have been warning against extremist and deviant and radical individuals since the early 1990s.
ISIS and Al-Qaeda in fact belongs to a deviant sect called Khawaareej.
ISIS and Al-Qaeda are NOT Salafi. PERIOD.
Saudi Arabia, as the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), represents Orthodox Islam.
Orthodox Islam does not equal Extremism.
Extremist organizations such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda have one aim and that is to destroy Orthodox Islam as represented by Saudi Arabia.
This is why the land of Saudi Arabia , and Riyadh especially, has been subjected to so many terrorist attacks by these extremist group EVEN BEFORE 911.
The esteemed religious scholars of Saudi Arabia have been warning against extremist and deviant and radical individuals since the early 1990s.
ISIS and Al-Qaeda in fact belongs to a deviant sect called Khawaareej.
ISIS and Al-Qaeda are NOT Salafi. PERIOD.
2
Is that what we are going to do? Hide in the corner from the boogie man? I just came back from Europe where the terror attacks seemed to follow me. If we all sit at home scared, they win and has anyone paid attention to what's going on in our own country. If I have to sit at home scared, they might as well kill me. I'm still traveling.
4
There are many places on my bucket list in the Muslim world that seem to be off limits now, but especially as a gay man. Tunis, Egypt, Indonesia, and now the Maldives. Sad times indeed. I can never figure out why republican administrations love Saudi Arabia and hate Iran so much? Oh stupid me, it's all about the money!
14
Why go all the way across the world to go to the beach when Mexico is right next door? The people are wecoming, the landscape beautiful, and the culture fascinating.
10
but it looks peaceful anyway, but government should take necessary steps on this kinda problem, therefore, I love Maldives, but after reading this article I am kinda worried actually, as far as I know government has been earning from tourism site, but it'll be curse for them if they don't take any robust steps on it
3
Anyone who says "the Islamds are sinking" is an idiot; the sea level is RISING!
On the safety issue, 35000 people die in the USA EVERY YEAR as a result of firearms. Motor Vehicles are virtually non-existent on the islands which takes out the European-style of attack.
The Maldives are safe. They just believe in a different set of scriptures.
On the safety issue, 35000 people die in the USA EVERY YEAR as a result of firearms. Motor Vehicles are virtually non-existent on the islands which takes out the European-style of attack.
The Maldives are safe. They just believe in a different set of scriptures.
It's about time to go elsewhere. It's just a matter of time before a big terrorist attack happens.
5
A double bonus for the Maldives. In the near term, our addiction to cheap oil and thereby love for Saudi Arabia and its Royal Family that gives us access to that cheap oil (for 70 years) - reinforced with Trump's gold medal, sword dance, creepy glowing orb, first foreign country visited - fuels the toxic poison that is Wahhabism that is destroying the Maldives's historically moderate and tolerant version of Islam, just as Wahhabism has destroyed moderate Islam around the globe, making Maldives fertile for Radicalism and Terrorism. In the longer term, our addiction to carbon emitting fuels - reinforced by Trump withdrawing from the Paris Accords so he can bring back coal jobs - will accelerate climate change, lead to rising sea levels, so low-lying Maldives will disappear. And most commentators are crushed that they will have to cross that $1000/night or more dream destination vacation off their list - oh the horror.
8
I am finally reading Salman Rushdie's latest novel, "Two Years, Eight Months and Twenty Eight Days", as always, a brilliant work that connects past ideological conflicts to current ideological conflicts.
In the West we are at a disadvantage in terms of our ideology. Regardless of what most of us Westerners say we believe, our only religion is Capitalism and our only god is Money.
Jesus said it's easier to ride a camel into heaven through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get to heaven.
But today the prophet Donald assures us that he will not only ride into heaven in a jet through the eye of the needle, but that he is the owner of heaven and earth.
In fact, we care more about our vacations and our favorite sports teams than we care about the soldiers who come back from war broken.
And unless our enemies, most of us are terrified of death, and only a tiny handful are willing to risk their lives to defend us.
In the West we are at a disadvantage in terms of our ideology. Regardless of what most of us Westerners say we believe, our only religion is Capitalism and our only god is Money.
Jesus said it's easier to ride a camel into heaven through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get to heaven.
But today the prophet Donald assures us that he will not only ride into heaven in a jet through the eye of the needle, but that he is the owner of heaven and earth.
In fact, we care more about our vacations and our favorite sports teams than we care about the soldiers who come back from war broken.
And unless our enemies, most of us are terrified of death, and only a tiny handful are willing to risk their lives to defend us.
6
My husband and I and friends have gone to the Maldives every year for the past 16 years for its unparalleled diving. We always stay on a tiny atoll (100 tourists max, mostly French) on the decidedly unluxurious end of the scale-no TV, no disco, no boutiques, no A.C., no gourmet dining. Over the years we have come to know many of the personnel, at least in a superficial way, and have tried to establish a feeling of mutual respect. We have always felt welcome. However, that said, we have been viewing with growing concern the apparent rise in "fundamentalism" which we have seen in the airport and Malé, at least as evidenced by the growing prevalence of women wearing the niqab, which we rarely saw when we first began coming. The possibility of a terrorist attack was the furthest thing from our minds in the past, but as we follow the political situation, we and our fellow divers are now weighing the risks and wondering what the future holds.
12
My son had booked his honeymoon here last fall and I was panicked after I researched the country online. Even though things looked glamorous and peaceful, I sent him 6 articles on the country's possible issues.
He lost the points he'd used when he switched the honeymoon to Hawaii, but he and his bride had a wonderful time and I am forever grateful.
He lost the points he'd used when he switched the honeymoon to Hawaii, but he and his bride had a wonderful time and I am forever grateful.
34
I only thought the Maldives were in danger because of global warming. About 15 years ago, on a flight to SriLanka, our plane made a stop in the Maldives. Looking out the window, it was beautiful - I knew I wanted to visit these islands. A few years, I made the trip. So worth the long flight!
What makes me sad is that there are many natural / cultural places that are now dangerous for visitors. I also feel for the people in these countries as tourism plays such a large part of their economies.
What makes me sad is that there are many natural / cultural places that are now dangerous for visitors. I also feel for the people in these countries as tourism plays such a large part of their economies.
25
Unfortunately, this is likely the best remedy for ending radical Islam from the only place it can be ended: from the inside of Islam. When the tourist money dries up due to safety issues authorities will address the issue.
37
The authorities can only do so much. The radicals themselves generally do not benefit from tourists' outlays, nor do they care about their negative impact on the countries in which they operate, as their preoccupations are not material in the first place, but ideological.
26
This is too sad. The Maldives are beautiful and peaceful and friendly to visit; until recently the major threat they were facing was rising sea levels. When I visited there, the girls wore colorful headscarves over jeans and tops, and rode motor scooters and mopeds all over Make. The thought of their being overrun by extremists hijacking their religion is devastating.
Do spare a thought for the lives of the natives, not just for whether American tourists want to go there or not. Also, I suspect Chinese tourists will make up for the lack of American ones.
Do spare a thought for the lives of the natives, not just for whether American tourists want to go there or not. Also, I suspect Chinese tourists will make up for the lack of American ones.
26
Stringent Islam's continuing "March on all things pleasant" is certainly saddening. I fear that Bali and Phuket are two other places in Asia where things have potential to get worse before they get better.
What will it take for this philosophy, oil to modern enlightenment's water, to reform? Or at least die down?
I don't think it is arrogant to say that the era we are in will be more than a footnote in the history books.
What will it take for this philosophy, oil to modern enlightenment's water, to reform? Or at least die down?
I don't think it is arrogant to say that the era we are in will be more than a footnote in the history books.
21
Well...now the Maldives is off my bucket list. I don't know but I think it's safe to assume that tourism represents the lions share of revenues for them. What happens to them once the tourism revenue stops? Do they get even more radicalized? BTW those islands are sinking do you think the Saudis will come to their rescue?
22
Who in their right mind would want to go there? The Caribbean and Hawaii call.
51
Very popular with Malaysians and Indonesians.
5
thinking the same thing. I'm sticking to secular democracies.
34
I have travelled to many Caribbean islands and to all of the Hawaiian islands. I have also been to the Maldives (twice) and can assure you that both locations you mention – in my well travelled opinion – do not come close to the isolation, beauty and underwater diversity of the Maldives.
It is sad to think that this country may be on it's way to radicalization. What is even sadder are the amount of comments here that quickly jump to a conclusion and write "NEXT PLACE PLEASE" because of one opinion piece. With this attitude do not be surprised if the only place that will soon be safe to travel to will be the facade hotels of Las Vegas, where you can experience "Paris, Venice, Luxor and possibly a deserted "Maldivian" Island".
It is sad to think that this country may be on it's way to radicalization. What is even sadder are the amount of comments here that quickly jump to a conclusion and write "NEXT PLACE PLEASE" because of one opinion piece. With this attitude do not be surprised if the only place that will soon be safe to travel to will be the facade hotels of Las Vegas, where you can experience "Paris, Venice, Luxor and possibly a deserted "Maldivian" Island".
18
Just look at the cruise ship itineraries. They are now avoiding the Maldives. This is so sad.
35
If anything, the absence of cruise ships ups the rating of a place in my book. Cruise ships are floating disasters, ecologically and behavior-wise, for the places in which they stop.
2
The two photos say it all. In one, a large group of men (and only men) pray in the street. In the other, a woman, covered completely in her niqab, follows behind her husband and young children. Any religious extremism that divides men and women, and subjugates women, is retrograde, doomed to poverty and isolation.
This is incompatible with a modern tourist industry — and with the modern world as a whole. Unfortunately, as western tourists begin to stay away, the isolation and poverty will increase, strengthening the extremists and fueling their anger and power.
This is incompatible with a modern tourist industry — and with the modern world as a whole. Unfortunately, as western tourists begin to stay away, the isolation and poverty will increase, strengthening the extremists and fueling their anger and power.
129
I hate to add my voice to the chorus who've been to the Maldives and loved the place, but have commented on how the island resorts there are extremely soft targets, but it's all too true. The only saving grace I see in this situation is the possibility that radicals who raid such islands might have trouble finding places to escape to and hide nearby, but I'm far from confident about that.
What this article unfortunately only mentions in passing is the role that the Saudis play in exporting to the Maldives a very harsh, very intolerant form of Islam that provides a breeding ground for violent extremists. The Times (along with many other journalistic outlets) should scrutinize this much more carefully, just as the Times did with a great article on Kosovo a year or so ago.
What this article unfortunately only mentions in passing is the role that the Saudis play in exporting to the Maldives a very harsh, very intolerant form of Islam that provides a breeding ground for violent extremists. The Times (along with many other journalistic outlets) should scrutinize this much more carefully, just as the Times did with a great article on Kosovo a year or so ago.
84
Maldive, once on my travel destination list, is now moved to my black list. I am not against religious freedom but I want to be free from religions too. If a place can't provide that, I won't give a dime. Hello Caribbean and hello Hawaii.
103
I totally agree with you. I was just going to post that myself .. there are so many delightful places in the world to visit without having to worry about Muslim extremists attacking. . Hawaii ... yessss ~
19
I agree. I used to love it when nobody went. Now it's being run over with tourism and some resorts look like theme parks. It was always Muslim, but appears to be safe no more.
18
So the outcome of democratization is radicalism in this case? Interesting.
28
Makes you wonder why we were so gung-ho about the whole Arab Spring business.
38
I have gone to Maldives several times over the last decade. It used to be a relaxed welcoming nation with some of the most breathtaking beaches and marine life in the world. There has been a lot of change in recent years including a new large sign at Male airport declaring that the official religion is Sunni Islam and bibles are prohibited. Maldives just like Malaysia, Indonesia and other countries in East Asia for centuries practiced a mild, tolerant version of Islam. This changed as Saudi money poured in, new Wahabi mosques and schools were built and an extreme version of Islam took hold. Tourism, the main driver of the economy, is likely to be badly affected over the next decade just as the islands have to face the impact of global warming and rising sea levels.
173
I wouldn't spend a nickel in a country that prohibits bibles. That has nothing to do with my being religious either. But that would include the Maldives which are clearly being destroyed from within and the atheist North Korea which is doing the same to itself.
1
My daughter and I ( she was 22 at the time) went to the Maldives in March 2016. We stayed at the Constance Moofushi. This was the vacation of a lifetime, a place I had always wanted to go. It did not disappoint; I thought it was magical. The sea plane rides alone were incredible. Well before planning the trip, I researched State Department warnings, and there were none. However, I was aware that ISIS recruited from the Maldives. I was glad to see that the airport in Male was actually on a separate island. So glad we made the trip when we did, as based on the info in this article, I would not go now. I agree that on these isolated islands, tourists and employees of the resort would be sitting ducks, soft targets.
60
Laura -
My GF and I recently returned from the Constance Moofushi - having vacationed there early May - and it was just as awe-inspiring now as I imagine it was last year.
In fact, one day - we did a day excursion to the "local island", Himandhoo. The locals were incredibly gracious - in a way that maybe Male didn't allow for owing to the population density.
Personally, I'm not going to hesitate going back...
Terrorism & random violence sadly knows no bounds (whether its a mass shooting in a church in the south or an elementary school in the north east). In fact, I feel safer in the Maldives that I do in the south.
Part of the rationale behind our decision to go is that as the country navigates climate change (& rising sea levels) tourism represented somewhat of a lifeline. Given that American tourists represent less than 5% of visitors, this article won't dissuade visitors who claim to want to visit the Maldives but now won't.
As we know it's the over $1k / night room rates.
And as strange as it sounds - somehow you feel as though you're getting a deal!
My GF and I recently returned from the Constance Moofushi - having vacationed there early May - and it was just as awe-inspiring now as I imagine it was last year.
In fact, one day - we did a day excursion to the "local island", Himandhoo. The locals were incredibly gracious - in a way that maybe Male didn't allow for owing to the population density.
Personally, I'm not going to hesitate going back...
Terrorism & random violence sadly knows no bounds (whether its a mass shooting in a church in the south or an elementary school in the north east). In fact, I feel safer in the Maldives that I do in the south.
Part of the rationale behind our decision to go is that as the country navigates climate change (& rising sea levels) tourism represented somewhat of a lifeline. Given that American tourists represent less than 5% of visitors, this article won't dissuade visitors who claim to want to visit the Maldives but now won't.
As we know it's the over $1k / night room rates.
And as strange as it sounds - somehow you feel as though you're getting a deal!
7
Sure, cross the Maldives off the to-do list, but we should put it close to the top of the watch-list, along with the Philippines and Indonesia. Islamist intolerance and extremism is swirling around the Indian and Pacific oceans. We should all be very wary indeed. Sadly, it will destroy the economies of those countries heavily reliant on western tourism, and set them back centuries. But what chance do they stand against the influence of the House of Saud?
77
Could there be a better way to hit the Western top .1% where it lives than to have a Muslim AK-47 mow a few dozen of them down on a Maldives beach? Surely the jihadists will wake up to this. It would make the truck attack in Nice look like nothing, wouldn't it? This is the problem with messing with a hornet's nest with 1.5 billion well-armed hornets in it. The idea that we will ever be able to stop casual slaughters worldwide is preposterous. Adios, Maldives as a paradise for rich Westerners.
30
And it amazes me how many people tell me they want to visit the Maldives with no clue to its political state. Would not go there in a million years!
36
Sounds crazy risky for any American or European to go to the Maldives. When US citizens go to known risky locales of their own volition they should not feel that the US federal government will come to their rescue.
35
My fiance and I were just discussing last night taking our honeymoon to Madlives. Seems like Seychelles might be a better choice.
16
Madagascar is waiting for you!
5
We spent 9 days there in January. It was truly magnificent and I'd love to go back. But you, and hundreds of others, are completely defenceless on each of these isolated islands. No where to hide and help is literally hours away. Could be the mother of all soft targets.
35
Beautiful islands, I am tempted to go there but personal safety keeps me from visiting these islands. It is not too far from Kerala (India). Even the name "maldives" came from Malayalam, the language of Kerala.( from the Malayalm words "maala /garland,and dweepu, island). This island nation has a history similar to Bali, Indonesia. Until the 12th century AD, there was a long Buddhist period for several centuries. Buddhism probably spread to the Maldives in the 3rd century BC at the time of Emperor Ashoka's expansion, and became the dominant religion of the people of the Maldives until the 12th century AD ,then the Arab traders came, the last Buddhist king of Maldives converted to Islam in the year 1153. Now these islands are 99% Muslims. There are officially no Maldivian Hindus or Buddhists, however there are laborers from India, Tamil and Malyali origin Hindus. The state religion is Sunni Islam,conversion from Islam is not allowed. It is compulsory to be a Muslim for all Maldivians. Hindi movie songs from India are the most popular songs in these islands. Tourism to these islands was unknown until the 1970s. As this article indicates, terrorism is the greatest threat today, this moderate Islamic nation has been taken over by Salafism brought over from Saudi Arabia .If there were one single terrorist attack on one of the luxury resorts, the billion dollar tourist industry would topple.
47
After reading this, and having contemplated visiting before, I have to say "why bother visiting the Maldives?" You're on vacation, do you really want to worry about what you wear and whether there is political turmoil? I've been to beautiful beaches in many parts of the world, and I know my response sounds bourgeois, but I know I am not alone in this opinion
96
Americans are winners this time, Oorah! They can spend a wonderful time in Tropical ISIS-free Cuba. A short flight time from anywhere on the East Coast. The Europeans can deal with faraway exotic places in the Pacific!
22
Didn't certain people in high places just implement policies designed to keep most Americans away from Cuba?
23
Let's hope so.
1
What about Israelis, who have the wonderful resort of Sharm El-Sheikh just a car trip away? Yallah!
Send us pics, Uzi.
Send us pics, Uzi.
This sort of ties in with ISIS - East Asia. Reported in today's Sydney Morning herald, ISIS has set up its East Asia "affiliate". Concentrating more in places like Indonesia and the Philippines, they are slowly expanding across Muslim parts of East Asia. Certainly, the Maldives, are on their radar. ISIS is working on their world wide caliphate. The article went on to say that Australia may soon see them knocking on their door.
So, ISIS may be "weaken" in the Middle East, but they have been growing stronger in East Asia, with sleeper cells ready to be activated.
Nice that we handed Saudi Arabia billions of dollars in military aid to help supply ISIS. And they have a perfect opportunity to push the ISIS mission, because of the ignorance of the Trump Administration.
And by the way, while rarely reported here, ISIS type attacks have recently occurred in Bali and a number of areas in recent weeks; mainly in tourist type areas. The Maldives may soon be the next tourist target.
As fro China, they show little concern, but they are keeping a stead eye on their Islamic regions, Saudi Arabia has done a great job exporting terrorism, and while they do that, Donald Trump was seen dancing with the Saudi Royal family. Our Nero is fiddling; while the world's Rome is burning.
So, ISIS may be "weaken" in the Middle East, but they have been growing stronger in East Asia, with sleeper cells ready to be activated.
Nice that we handed Saudi Arabia billions of dollars in military aid to help supply ISIS. And they have a perfect opportunity to push the ISIS mission, because of the ignorance of the Trump Administration.
And by the way, while rarely reported here, ISIS type attacks have recently occurred in Bali and a number of areas in recent weeks; mainly in tourist type areas. The Maldives may soon be the next tourist target.
As fro China, they show little concern, but they are keeping a stead eye on their Islamic regions, Saudi Arabia has done a great job exporting terrorism, and while they do that, Donald Trump was seen dancing with the Saudi Royal family. Our Nero is fiddling; while the world's Rome is burning.
84
Hi Nick, I'd be interested in hearing more about the "ISIS type" attacks in Bali as I just returned from there last month. Do you have links to share? I try to stay safe when I travel and was unaware of any recent problems there.
2
I hope this article will prompt visitors to think about not just their own safety, but the lives of the people who live in the Maldives and other resort "paradises." Too often, life outside the gates is impoverished, corrupt, and politically repressive. Building bigger walls and hiring more guards isn't the only response.
43
I've done some thinking: take away the tourism, and poverty increases. All the Liberal hand-wringing in the world, coupled with foreign aid, won't fix the income disparity.
1
It seems strange to take a vacation on a beautiful beach where wearing a bikini would be offensive to some and also may mark the bikini wearer as a possible target for jihadi attack. I think I will stick with Barbados, the Greek islands, Hawaii, etc.
62
The islands are off limits to the Muslim people living in the capital.
3
A lot of concern here about the safety of tourists, but not much about the citizens of the Maldives who will likely be subject to more and more Islamic law. Like the Maldives, democratic, or somewhat democratic nations, including Indonesia, Turkey, and Egypt, held elections in the last few years that brought Islamists into government. Does the western world really think that it can bring in millions of Muslim immigrants and not be subjected to similar pressures for Islamic law? Good luck with that.
61
I've always wanted to visit the Maldives after seeing many gorgeous photos of it and hearing nothing but good things. This article informed me for the first time ever that it is in fact a Muslim society. It's not worth risking my life to go there now. Sad days we live in.
87
As a gay man, I now must cross Maldives off my list. Not that I was just about to get on a plane, but my tourism dollars have to go to countries that are not afraid to recognize my existence as a human being to start.
115
Trump's answer to this is ignore global warming and let the Maldives sink below the waves of the rising oceans.
11
Psst, Eric, nobody can stop climate change. They can make promises to "slow the progression," but nobody can stop it.
You do realize this, don't you?
You do realize this, don't you?
1
It is irresponsible and factually inaccurate to omit that there was a coup d'etat in 2010-2011, overthrowing the democratically elected secular government of Mohamed Nasheed.
Also stating that Gayoom led the country as a moderate for 30 years ignores that his rule was essentially an autocratic dictatorship.
I'm not sure what the goal of this article was but it is hard to take seriously when it is premised on falsehoods.
Also stating that Gayoom led the country as a moderate for 30 years ignores that his rule was essentially an autocratic dictatorship.
I'm not sure what the goal of this article was but it is hard to take seriously when it is premised on falsehoods.
32
Here here for your excellent comment! I'd overlooked your point about Gayoom in my own comment, but big kudos to you for raising it. The reformist Nasheed had the potential to take the country into a much more open and prosperous era - and he was a great environmentalist, as well! - but he was toppled by some of the same corrupt, repressive forces that are taking the country backward today.
The irony and mystery that the article also does not probe is why in the world the very wealthy Maldivians who own many of the resorts would allow, simply on self-interested, pragmatic grounds, a very harsh form of Islam to be imported into and promoted in the country. It undermines their own interests.
The irony and mystery that the article also does not probe is why in the world the very wealthy Maldivians who own many of the resorts would allow, simply on self-interested, pragmatic grounds, a very harsh form of Islam to be imported into and promoted in the country. It undermines their own interests.
14
For better or worse, this is a problem that global warming is going to take care of in the short-ish term. The average height above sea level in the Maldives is 6 feet. By 2035 there won't be either Salafists or tourists.
73
Clearly, you don't know very much about coral atolls.
How is it that, despite relentlessly rising sea levels for thousands of years the Maldives just happen to be 6' above sea level?
And given that sea levels have been rising at a continuous 3 mm per year for as far back as anyone can measure, I'll be happy to bet you that in 18 years, the Maldives will still be six feet above sea level.
How is it that, despite relentlessly rising sea levels for thousands of years the Maldives just happen to be 6' above sea level?
And given that sea levels have been rising at a continuous 3 mm per year for as far back as anyone can measure, I'll be happy to bet you that in 18 years, the Maldives will still be six feet above sea level.
4
Yes, this is so true. The water is so low between some islands that one can wade across.
Still, beautiful island chain. Too bad the Maldives are threatened by global warming. Do you remember a few years ago when the Maldives government held a meeting under water? Yes, they all had to learn to scuba-dive.
Still, beautiful island chain. Too bad the Maldives are threatened by global warming. Do you remember a few years ago when the Maldives government held a meeting under water? Yes, they all had to learn to scuba-dive.
2
This may be true but unfortunately those Salafists will then be looking for a new country to call their home.
7
I'll pass on vacationing in the Maldives.
As well as Dubai, the Philippines, Tunisia, Turkey, Morocco, Jakarta, Egypt, Iran or any country that is potentially unsafe for Westerners.
Why bother? Or take such risks? No thanks.
Let's just hope that in the future we don't have to add Paris and London to a no-go list.
Costa Rica, the Caribbean, Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia and Tahiti are all very nice places to go and visit without having to worry about Islamic radical terrorism.
As well as Dubai, the Philippines, Tunisia, Turkey, Morocco, Jakarta, Egypt, Iran or any country that is potentially unsafe for Westerners.
Why bother? Or take such risks? No thanks.
Let's just hope that in the future we don't have to add Paris and London to a no-go list.
Costa Rica, the Caribbean, Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia and Tahiti are all very nice places to go and visit without having to worry about Islamic radical terrorism.
138
Well said.
25
The Istanbul area of Turkey is moderate and beautiful. The Turks love guests and they love to cook and eat.
As a Costa Rican, I strongly agree with you!
9
Open Democratic Governance and Religion- any religion- do not mix well.
Conservative religions and modernity also do not mix well.
This is part of why a left the Church.
Conservative religions and modernity also do not mix well.
This is part of why a left the Church.
21
The answer to eliminate threat of "Radical Islam" is staring at us like a proverbial "1000 Pound Gorilla", and that is Saudi Arabia - the country that gave us 15 of the 19 September 11, 2001 event, and the country that continues to fund all the strident "Wahabi" ideology to the rest of the world by establishing "Madrassas" in poor Islamist countries including EVEN Kosovo.
The answer is simple: if one wants to "kill" cancer, just cut-off the blood supply, same way just go after the Saudi Royal Family. More peaceful answer is to "Go Green", use renewable energy source and eliminate fissile fuel, that will take care of two problems: Global Warming and the menace of "Radical Islam" problem.
The answer is simple: if one wants to "kill" cancer, just cut-off the blood supply, same way just go after the Saudi Royal Family. More peaceful answer is to "Go Green", use renewable energy source and eliminate fissile fuel, that will take care of two problems: Global Warming and the menace of "Radical Islam" problem.
199
This is so sad. A peaceful country until now is being modified with the perfect Jihadi recipe. Bring in radicalism in the name of democracy and free speech leading to terror and fear spreading, thus bringing a fall in tourism and money and rise in poverty and anger; then force channel that anger towards the west and in the name of religion, destroy everything good.
70
Saudi Arabia (our friend) and salafism...what could go wrong. And Iran is the problem?
155
Amen! We suck up to the most repressive society on earth. Shame!
19
exactly. Salafism is the engine of jihadism.
7