Well, the ever-charming Mork below says that you don't know anything about policy and analysis of national security beyond the propaganda of "neocons" and the Bush administration (or something like that). I'm sure that this lucid critique has caused you paroxysms of self-doubt, leading you to wistfully dream of a life of travel writing. It's amazing how, in spite of all that, Mork keeps coming back though isn't it?

Mork schmork!
What a great piece, Michael. Maybe I missed something along the way, but do you have photographs?
Write about travel all you like, you're very good at it, but try not to give up writing about politics. You're my daily launching pad into the blogosphere!

Have a nice trip. We despicable neoconservatives will make sure the bombing doesn’t start until the day after you leave Libya. Say Hi to Moammar Khadafi for us. Perhaps you will also be able to purchase a “Remember Pan Am Flight 103” tee shirt over there.

Great piece. Felt like I was along with you.

"The Ghost of Bruce Chatwin?" Your ever-jealous supportive fan agrees with the great piece judgment above.

The economist in me misses any economic analysis: how much oil (little or none?) does Tunisia have?
From CIA factbook:
petroleum, phosphates, iron ore, lead, zinc, salt
More on http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/ts.html#Econ
purchasing power parity - $6,900 (2003 est.)

---
They consume a bit more oil than they produce; import quite a bit more than they export but have a big tourism industry.
Looking at the map, I can believe tourism will continue to grow.

I wish there was more work done on Solar Powered Air Conditioning. I don't believe the final idea in the article, that transforming the desert is "beyond the means of man." Right now, it is too expensive. Just like space travel. But not forever.

(I wish you could have discussed Arabic East, and then referred to Arabia, rather than "East". It being in Africa means it's not East, to me.

It's like a white Africaner Boer, whose known ancestors for two hundred years had been born in South Africa, who emigrates to the US and becomes American. He would be, truthfully, an "African American". But there is some disonance for me.)

I loved the "meet market", rather than meat.
Enjoyed the whole thing. As usual.
Hope you enjoy Libya, Michael.

I've met some white Africans like that.

Interesting writing MJT. Make a book out of it.

Good luck on the trip. Its usually more interesting to read about travel than about politics, so I'm with Eric Blair, make a book about your trips.

Now I really want to get on a plane to Tunisia

Although this does capture the essence of life in a very dry climate:

I thought of petroposia -- the quenching of thirst by the drinking of gasoline. It happens a lot in the Sahara when cars break down and no one shows up to rescue the stranded. William Langewiesche said in The Atlantic Monthly that the locals in Algeria suggested it to him as a way to stay off the battery acid.

Ick. Although I’ve driven through the deserts out west, I don’t remember anyone describing such extreme conditions - wondering if the problem is the desolation of the deserts or the condition of the cars?

In any case, hope all goes well in Libya, inshallah.

Great piece on Tunisia. I'd argue that your writings about travel are excellent political commentary.

Enjoy Libya -- I've heard that it is a surprising place. E.g., much less repressive and "cloistered" than other states run by dictatorial nutjobs. Can't wait to read your travelogue.

Wonderful work! Thanks for sharing it with us. Looking forward to hearing about the Libya trip.

Very enjoying. Only lacks some photos including one about that blue eyed Arab woman with red and dried hair .... :)

Michael, the very VERY BEST travel writers make you feel as if you are there. You can smell the air, taste the cuisine, smile at the customs of the peoples. You have done that and more. What a great travel piece.

GM ( www.gmscorner.blogspot.com )