TheGooch comments

I don't think that they can do anything to significantly improve tourism. The stigma fallout is too compelling to be overcome. Looking at customers from the USA, the bad exchange rate and bad economy also play a part in dwindling numbers of tourists. I actually recommend to US customers to stay home and pay off debts/increase savings before going on trips.

I'm not familiar with how much tourist business comes from EU, Africa, Middle East, etc, but for the US part, you should count them out for a while.

The real question is...what will replace Quadafi? Are we helping improve the situation or opening the door for an even more oppressive regime change.

Sure, point at Quadafi and his faults, even remove him from power. Just examine the people, their character, their motives - that you are helping just as closely as you examine their enemy.

It wouldn't be the first time that people yelled "yay! We are free!" to later cry "This is worse. Can we have our old oppressor back?"

You can keep your food, water, and shelter....I'll take an iPad 2 over them any day. /end sarcasm

dirisaya - how are you going to stop them?

I've been in Japan almost a year now, and I'm starting to discover the real Japan underneath the hi-tech, playful veneer. The ruthless tactics that are encouraged in the name of being successful are scary. I think the Japanese need to focus on peace and well-being over money and success. Seriously, sacrificing your own people to make an extra dollar does not reflect well upon you.

PS. I am focusing on Japan because that is the context of this article. This behavior is not unique, but I've never seen it so entrenched that it's the norm. It's expected of businessmen to be cutthroat.