Problems

this week has seen the closing of yet more borders across the Middle East. This week has seen Isreal bomb Gaza in return for attacks in the south, the world has called for Assad to go quietly and end his reign in Syria and this morning rebel troops have been all but knocking on Gaddafi's front door. things are very fluid as the Arab Spring has lengthened into the Arab Summer.

The original route would pass through Turkey south through Syria and on to Jordan. But just as my trip was building momentum and the Arab Spring began Syria’s answer to the calls for a new government was further repression and violence.

Plan A
Take a look at the map. The route into Jordan from the north involves passage through Iraq or Syria.


The Foreign Office reports on-


Syria-We advise against all travel to the Syrian Arab Republic. British nationals in Syria should leave now by commercial means whilst these are still available.


And for the record Iraq.-We advise against all travel to Baghdad and surrounding area, and to the provinces of Basra, Maysan, Al Anbar, Salah Ad Din, Diyala, Wasit, Babil, Ninawa and At-Tamim (At-Tamim is often referred to as "Kirkuk Province").

Plan B
Jordan’s other border is with Israel. So Plan B is to take the ferry from southern Turkey to Cyprus and attempt to take a ferry to either Lebanon, Israel or Egypt
Cyprus to Lebanon


There is hearsay to confirm that there is a car ferry from Cyprus to Lebanon. It is the shortest route, however, the border between Lebanon and Israel (Lebanon is bordered by Israel, Syria and the Mediterranean) is presently closed to all but security personnel. -Anyone travelling to Lebanon should keep themselves well informed and closely monitor political and security developments- The Foreign Office


Plan C
Cyprus to Israel


The car ferry between these two countries closed about five years ago and at the moment of writing remains so. (Plan C.1 is to find a home for Austin in Cyprus and take the passenger ferry to Israel which is at the moment still open)


Plan D
Cyprus to Egypt.


No one seems to be able to tell me whether there is a ferry here, but regardless, as of today the border between Egypt and Isreal is closed.- On 28 May 2011 the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza was re-opened to people but not goods-Foreign Office






So as the world goes a little more bonkers everyday I’m left with only one way of making overland/sea to my goal in Jordan. But with Gaddafi about to fall (hopefully) the world may turn its attention on Syria and who knows where that may end up?

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Have a good week folks
And again soz if there are any typos.


Cheers Matt