for Jackie - don't go to Algeria

Submitted by Natalie (United States), Jul 31, 2018 at 03:46

Hi Jackie,

You shouldn't go to Algeria. I believe you know this in your gut but you are being stubborn. Listen to your gut, it is right. He will most likely put on an oscar winning performance when you arrive and you will just be more confused and conflicted. You will probably never find out the truth so going there for the "truth to prevail" is nonsense. These men are experienced con artists and their families play along. Don't put yourself in danger.

Going to Algeria, especially during one of the holiest Muslim holidays just isn't wise, and this "beach vacation" will be nothing like going to Mexico or a western resort that caters to Americans or other westerners. You're in for a real culture shock and I'm nervous for you because you don't seem like an experienced traveler.

That's good you registered with the embassy's STEP program but it's not like the embassy is going to check in on you at all or monitor if you flew in the flights you listed. If you're concerned about being harmed, make arrangements to check-in with someone in the US every so often (it may help to figure out how many days you have to be missing before they can file a missing persons report on you) and give that person all the information about where his family is located outside Algiers, their names, etc. If god forbid, you do go missing or something bad happens, instruct your friend/relative to contact the US embassy in Algiers asap. Also, sign a privacy act waiver so the embassy can tell your friend/relative any information they find out.

I understand the feelings that being love bombed can generate -- I too was a victim, but I realized what was happening before I made any choices I couldn't take back so I'm fortunate. Please realize the mistake your making before you cause yourself harm. I don't mean to sound harsh or rude and I wish you the best.

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".