Countless times over, a voice, or maybe voices, are being heard in each of their heads. Perhaps it's a mother (most likely), father, spouse, or close friend, but I bet each received this admonition from that person:
What do you mean you're going to Lebanon for vacation? It's a dangerous part of the world, are you nuts?
Well, fewer mothers and the like will be warning their kids not to vacation in Lebanon. That's because they'll decide on their own to stay away. And it won't just be Lebanon. The shadow of the 1997 tourist massacre in Luxor Egypt still hovers over that nation.
Jordan? Dozens were killed in a series of hotel bombings late last year. This Washington Post (free registration may be required) article from two days ago touted Jordan as an excellent travel spot for Christians seeking a religiously significant destination. Christians won't be flocking there now.
West of Jordan, Israel, because of its spiritual importance, will continue to attract religious pilgrims--but there will be fewer of them.
All through the Middle East, the stay-away will lead to hotels and restaurants closing, jobs lost, and a continuing decline of the economies throughout that unhappy corner of the planet.
Two things can happen--decent people will rise up and no longer look the other way at the terrorists living amongst them, or more young males, as well as a few females, will drift to Islamic extremism.
Technorati tags: Religion Islam Muslims Lebanon Israel Middle East Egypt Tourism Travel Holiday Vacation مصر لبنان ישראל
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