Gov't warns journalists to avoid Turkey-Syria border town

Shouldn't all the border crossings in Northern Syria be closed?

How will the refugees get out?

It took official advise for this? Only stupid people would venture into a war zone without military training.

“We cannot dismiss the possibility of a kidnapping of Japanese journalists or of other risks to them"

The other risks include beheading and torture.

Can't trust the Turks with a loonie like Erdogan at the top.

Anyone with even half a brain cell would know this surely, having to be told by the government ?

It took official advise for this? Only stupid people would venture into a war zone without military training.

Military trained like Yukawa???

StormR: "Anyone with even half a brain cell would know this surely, having to be told by the government ?"

You would think so, but obviously there are some who will go in regardless of the risk (ex. Goto) and as such I don't think the warnings are hard enough -- I think they should be obviously pointing out Goto as an example. A tad tasteless, of course, but it would hit home a lot harder and possibly save the lives not only of those who would risk them, but now other Japanese as well, and needless to say save the governments and country a lot of pressure and headaches.

As if I'm going there--but I do appreciate the warning.

The government should make clear that anyone who travels to Syria and other middle-eastern dumps is on their own and can expect no help should they be captured.

Governments in free countries have no business in telling journalists how and what to report about.

Governments in free countries have no business in telling journalists how and what to report about.

Then it's a good thing that the government hasn't told them how or what to report about.

Isn't it time for the Senjo Cameraman?

Guilliome Vares:

" Governments in free countries have no business in telling journalists how and what to report about. "

Correct. But then have no business either to bail out the journalists that get kidnapped after being warned not to go there, either. Remember that when the time comes.

In days gone by journalists could venture into war zones and other dangerous areas and cautiously do their work. Things are different today. If they try to meet the death masters ... they can most likely end up being the target.

As the old saying goes in the world of journalism, when the journalist becomes the story, he/she has transformed into something else.

Journalists should know their lives are at stake if they try walking through a minefield ... no matter where it is or what circumstances surround it ...