Iraq

• In Kurdistan, public transport is rare although regular buses do link Zakho and Dohuk and cost about 2 USD. From Dohuk, shared taxis leave all day for Erbil and other cities. The road from Dohuk to Arbil goes south near Mosul, but does not leave Kurdish territory and is thus safe, although perhaps too close for comfort.

By car

• Keep your lights off especially if the road is lit. Iraqis think that turning on lights will run down their batteries, and since they don’t do it, you shouldn't either.

• Avoid city centers. Although most Iraqis are asleep by midnight, the few that are awake are almost certainly up to no good.

• Watch for the U.S. military. If you are out late at night and effectively trying to blend in with the locals, you could be mistaken for a hostile/troublemaker.