Well they went. One of the guys died last year (not travel related) bit the other still has all the photos on facebook. I don't know what the travel restrictions are but they travelled accross a couple other " Stan " countries, across afgan and into Pakistan. My mate is a white, tattooed, pierced, punk, so did have to dress in local clothe and did have to use local fixers to plan sensitive routes at times
Both of these guys are not exactly orthodox and have spent most of their lives either travelling or living in Africa.
Against official advice I have travelled alone in Colombia and though the casamance in Senegal amonst other less popular tourist destinations. People are just the same throughout the world, its a small.percentage of nutters and governments that dictate nations are veiwed. I for one will not judge a man's actions in another country. How many of these terrorists have had to clean the remains of their kids from walls.and.floors.after a misplaced rocket lands in their compound? How would.you react?
If you travel with respect for people and their cultures I believe there are very.few places which you.can't go and have a nice time. It's not suprising that people who.travelled in uniform screaming authority have a different reception. My brother has been one of these guys and his exereinces of travelling in west Africa with a machine gun are the polar opposite of my experiences travelling with a surf board.