Beware the amateur political commentator. Me. Thank goodness for the wise ones in the BBC. Adam Mynott. He corrects my somewhat limited understanding of the Tunisian crisis and, for example, questions the role of the army in the decision of Ben Ali to flee into exile. Well, maybe. Adam Mynott does point out that events are moving quickly in Tunisia and to say that these are 'uncertain, dangerous times' is something we can all agree on. So quickly are events moving indeed that Mohammed Ghannouchi, the Prime Minister who is well-regarded by former British diplomats, was only a temporary (and illegal) Head of State. He has now been replaced by the legitimate caretaker President, Foued Mebazza, Speaker of the Tunisian Parliament. Curiously, the reaction of some holidaymakers flown back to the UK by their tour operators is one of great annoyance. In this morning's Observer, one buffoon was quoted as saying that he thought it was all a bit of an over-reaction. The holiday companies are already saying that 'normal booking conditions' apply and that no refunds will be given to customers who wish to cancel future holidays. So here is today's dilemma - would you still want to go on holiday to Tunisia? Foreign Office advice is: 'We advise against all but essential travel ... a State of Emergency has been declared ... The situation is changing rapidly and is unpredictable ... There is a general threat from terrorism ... Attacks cannot be ruled out and could be indiscriminate ... You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.' Just love that last bit. Taken the FO's advice into account, why on earth would any traveller flown urgently out of Tunisia feel anything but the utmost gratitude and relief? But I suppose that's why the word 'idiot' was invented. Who though would now want to go to Tunisia for a holiday, at least in the short term? Wouldn't the fear of 'indiscriminate attacks and terrorism' take the edge off your enjoyment just a little? And what would you pack? Steel helmet? Flak jacket?
Sunday 16 January 2011
Definition of an idiot
Beware the amateur political commentator. Me. Thank goodness for the wise ones in the BBC. Adam Mynott. He corrects my somewhat limited understanding of the Tunisian crisis and, for example, questions the role of the army in the decision of Ben Ali to flee into exile. Well, maybe. Adam Mynott does point out that events are moving quickly in Tunisia and to say that these are 'uncertain, dangerous times' is something we can all agree on. So quickly are events moving indeed that Mohammed Ghannouchi, the Prime Minister who is well-regarded by former British diplomats, was only a temporary (and illegal) Head of State. He has now been replaced by the legitimate caretaker President, Foued Mebazza, Speaker of the Tunisian Parliament. Curiously, the reaction of some holidaymakers flown back to the UK by their tour operators is one of great annoyance. In this morning's Observer, one buffoon was quoted as saying that he thought it was all a bit of an over-reaction. The holiday companies are already saying that 'normal booking conditions' apply and that no refunds will be given to customers who wish to cancel future holidays. So here is today's dilemma - would you still want to go on holiday to Tunisia? Foreign Office advice is: 'We advise against all but essential travel ... a State of Emergency has been declared ... The situation is changing rapidly and is unpredictable ... There is a general threat from terrorism ... Attacks cannot be ruled out and could be indiscriminate ... You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.' Just love that last bit. Taken the FO's advice into account, why on earth would any traveller flown urgently out of Tunisia feel anything but the utmost gratitude and relief? But I suppose that's why the word 'idiot' was invented. Who though would now want to go to Tunisia for a holiday, at least in the short term? Wouldn't the fear of 'indiscriminate attacks and terrorism' take the edge off your enjoyment just a little? And what would you pack? Steel helmet? Flak jacket?
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