Beware, you are an enemy to everyone

My general tips and advice on those who want to visit the war-torn still occupied nation of Iraq. Unlike in Turkey and other neighbours where the main problem is con men in Iraq the main problem is that the nation is under an illegal occupation and that everyone could be a potential attacker. If you are travelling to Iraq to see this first hand brutality try not to walk about with a backpack as no one will stand near you.

If you are camping in Iraq, go to the Northern Areas of Kurdistan, remember call it Kurdistan and not Iraq. In the friendliest part of Iraq there are millions of unexploded missiles, cluster bombs and mines. Also there is a lot of other hazards like the heat, knowing the water in unsafe unless you are near springs, scorpions (be prepared to see these, pick up by middle tail, just below sting and throw fast), there are snakes, wolves, leopards and man-eating badgers.

My best advice is, be a neutral. Don't have views as you will get into a heated conversation with someone resulting in you fleeing. Act ignorant

Remember the Iraqis hate all westerners but if they feel that you are there as an observer or non-military they will be polite to you.

Don't travel at night because you may come into contact with western soldiers (who WILL believe you have defected), or you may run into resistant fighting groups.

Try not to carry a camera in view and wear modest clothes despite the heat.

Try not to travel on Friday's as the civilians will suspect that you are an enemy.

Besides all the precautions and if you want to see the first hand view of war, visit Iraq.

Iraq does have a lot of history, Mosques, Churches, museums. The scenery is beautiful as swamps, oasis's and lakes exist in central and southern Iraq, moors and ranges in Northern Iraq and deserts in western Iraq.

Most Iraqi cities are safe as long as you follow the above instructions, only a handful of cities have bombs and gunfire everyday whilst others have a tensed atmosphere.