by Roberta Murphy

Travelers from all nations once had the luxury of cruising Egypt’s Nile River, exploring the country’s ancient pyramids and steeping themselves in the mystery and intrigue of Ancient Egypt. But that was before the Great Recession and recent political and civil turmoil.

Egypt had been planning on a tourism rebound in 2012, but it appears those plans have gone up in flames as Royal Caribbean International cancels its Egyptian calls and transfers them instead to European ports. Other cruise ships will likely follow suit as a safety precaution.

Rioters in Egypt (and whoever pulls their strings) are setting up landmines of unintended consequences with their hostilities. Last night, Bill O’Reilly urged millions of his Fox viewers to boycott travel to Egypt–and even travel guru Arthur Frommer has issued a strong warning to American travelers via his travel blog:

Until matters change, and steps are taken by Egyptian officials to discourage such violence, it is clearly unsafe for Americans to visit Egypt as tourists. I feel sad to voice that opinion, because I think of all the fine Egyptian people who are dependent on tourism. Safety comes first, and, currently, Egypt is not safe.

Additionally, even local tour guides in Egypt are warning that there is a lack of security for visitors to Egypt’s historical venues. Police are largely absent and there are no guarantees of safety.

Egypt depends not only on foreign aid, but its population is very dependent on tourism to put food on the table. And with an unemployment rate of around 25 percent for its youth, tourism and its jobs could do much for local economies. Regrettably, all will suffer thanks to political instability and anarchy in the streets.

UPDATE: El Al just announced it is seeking to cancel all flights from Tel Aviv to Cairo–a route it has served for three decades. —Roberta Murphy

UPDATE: 12/29/2012  Apparently Egypt’s own citizens are not allowed to take more than $6000. out of the country–as a response to recent run on banks by terrified Egyptians. Many are buying dollars. “The panic came as the country’s new president, Mohammed Morsi, called for ‘unity’ after a referendum approved a controversial constitution which gave him and Islamist allies more powers.”

It’s a move that could cause tourism-in-reverse as more people seek to escape the Muslim Brotherhood and its faltering economy.

Hat Tip: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2253525/Egypt-fears-run-banks-imposes-limit-people-withdraw.html#ixzz2GNuKCUlo

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And the kids in Afghanistan desperately need our help.

Many schools throughout the country have been destroyed and teachers have been executed–resulting in a literacy rate that is one of the lowest in the world. Some American soldiers, cooperating with locals, are assisting in trying to reopen some of these schools and our assistance is required.

Desperately needed are pencils, pens, sharpeners, world maps, notebooks, colored pencils (no melting crayons!), chalk, chalkboards,  all kinds of paper, rulers, stickers, backpacks and anything else you would normally provide for school children. Free boxes can be picked up at US Post Offices and measuring 12x12x5.5 that can hold a substantial number of supplies. Postage should run $12.50 or less regardless of weight.

My first box is already packed–and marked “school supplies.”

Here is the plea (and mailing address) from Chaplain Capt. Joseph DuWors:

Some have asked about possibly supporting local schools or children. If you are still interested, the time to begin collecting is now. Due to the challenges of this area, many timess, if there is a school building, there may not be a teacher. Or, if there is a school and teacher, there may not be supplies. Many of the schools have been damaged and teachers driven off by the Taliban more than four years ago.

Our presence and influence here is aimed at providing security for the legitimate government of Afghanistan. We hope that security will enable schools to once again reappear. Our long-term plan for regional stability includes schooling for Afghani children.

We do have some resources locally to obtain the necessary supplies. However, we could really use some help. So, if anyone is interested in sending care packages of humanitarian aid for schools, below I am listing basic school supply items that would be helpful.

I will be consolidating all school supplies for distribution, and, if my boss allows, I will go with the soldiers to distribute it so I can send you pictures and video or your school supplies reaching the children.

The mailing address remains the same as regular care packages. Thanks again for not just thinking of us, but of those whom we are here to support as well.

Writing Materials is the primary need:
Pens
Pencils & Sharpeners
Erasers
Paper pads
Notebooks
(Any kind of paper is useful)
Please no crayons (they will melt)
If you want to send markers for drawing that is okay
chalk and erasers
rulers

You may also consider:
school backpacks
chalkboards
floor matts for sitting on
world maps
soccer balls

Again, Thanks!!

CH (CPT) J. Joseph DuWors
HHT, 4/2 SCR
FOB SPIN BOLDAK
APO AE 09355

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