Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Conflict in the Middle East
Thread gallery
5
GoBazGo · 19/02/2026 17:28

Terrribletwos · 19/02/2026 16:36

Agree. I really don't understand this going to other countries to help out or do charity work when the people doing it have actually no knowledge of the country or how it operates. In this case, I would say it sounds like virtue signalling but wanting to be "out there" in doing so.

Show quote history

They often cause more problems than they solve (using resources, especially if they get ill). But one country’s suffering and conflict is another’s “gap year adventure”.

simplesimoneatspie · 19/02/2026 18:02

countrymama94 · 19/02/2026 15:51

I know many people who go to “red countries” such as Sudan, Syria, Congo etc for charity purposes. Also Jordan, which I know people attend and in fact a friend of mine is currently there on their “gap year”. The UK also advises against areas of Egypt, my point being, is that the UK gives advice not to travel places but there are MANY people who chose to for charity reasons etc. I would suppose that you’d support the release of those doing charity work, but those doing off their own accord (despite still doing some charity work), are morons and basically deserve it? Yes, they ignored advice as many others have. They are UK citizens and it is natural that family and friends would wish the government to help bring them back.

As I said I would LOVE to see half of you comment on a public forum, with your actual names on there, the comments you are leaving on here as I bet you wouldn’t. Keep hiding behind your phone screens, cowards

I’ve informed Joe of this post too so let’s see how long it will be until people’s comments are being put online and watch you being slated. Wonder how many will own up to it 😂

What on earth are you on about?!

simplesimoneatspie · 19/02/2026 18:05

it was stupid act and they have now to bear the consequences of that. Simple.

LightningMode · 19/02/2026 18:07

I bet their son/stepson is secretly furious with them. I would be.

Fingalscave · 19/02/2026 18:09

countrymama94 · 19/02/2026 14:54

I actually know Joe (the son) and the parents are actually extremely kind souls. They tried to do charity out there too, to help others. They are not entitled, middle class twerps etc. Yes, they perhaps didn’t really understand the severity but look how many people fly to Egypt despite the warnings there. I bet you all wouldn’t comment on this taking their family there in such a horrible manner. Or perhaps you would behind a phone screen.

Disgusting comments and I hope something like this happens to your families so that you know the pain. In any event, his instagram is public so feel free to write these comments on his page and watch the backlash you get. Of course you won’t though, enjoy hiding behind your phones you low lives. Go get a job or something rather than commenting on people’s lives that you know NOTHING about.

Travelling to Egypt is a completely different matter. You can't compare the two. You can't get an all inclusive to a 5* resort in Iran, can you?

Fingalscave · 19/02/2026 18:11

simplesimoneatspie · 19/02/2026 18:02

What on earth are you on about?!

Show quote history

Sounds like a child commenting.

RedToothBrush · 19/02/2026 18:13

GingerPants · 19/02/2026 14:19

Either they are spies or they are entitled twerps. There is no way that they are not intelligent enough to know that biking through Iran and posting about it on the internet is a terrible idea with potential consequences.

It's quite A bold decision. It's not like they mistakenly bought full fat milk instead of semi skimmed because now the lids are all white instead of different colours. It was a deliberate decision.

Pretty shit spies.

I'd be disappointed if that was the calibre of our intelligence service. Note 'intelligence' service.

PhilosophicalCheeseSandwich · 19/02/2026 18:28

I’ve informed Joe of this post too so let’s see how long it will be until people’s comments are being put online and watch you being slated. Wonder how many will own up to it 😂

You're in trouble now, lads. It's all going on the world wide web 🙄

They're a pair of fools and they've caused themselves and other people a lot of stress and trouble that was so easily avoidable. Obviously I hope they get out of jail and get home safely asap. But what the fuck did they expect?

FreshInks · 19/02/2026 18:36

@countrymama94 You’re telling Joe? Are we supposed to be scared?

RedToothBrush · 19/02/2026 19:04

I'm sure Joe has a shed load more to deal with right now than being told that some women think his parents are dumb for ignoring foreign office advice.

I'm sure he's probably getting actual abuse else where online. Rather than comments that his parents must be extraordinarily entitled to go to Iran given the circumstances and the unstable political situation regardless of their nationality.

I'm sure he probably won't give much of a fuck because he's probably hearing the same everywhere.

It sucks being Joe right now. It's not his fault his parents are this feckless.

Maybe leave poor Joe alone rather that pestering him being a tell tale tit about absolutely fuck all.

Original poster
Ihatetomatoes · 19/02/2026 22:56

RedToothBrush · 19/02/2026 19:04

I'm sure Joe has a shed load more to deal with right now than being told that some women think his parents are dumb for ignoring foreign office advice.

I'm sure he's probably getting actual abuse else where online. Rather than comments that his parents must be extraordinarily entitled to go to Iran given the circumstances and the unstable political situation regardless of their nationality.

I'm sure he probably won't give much of a fuck because he's probably hearing the same everywhere.

It sucks being Joe right now. It's not his fault his parents are this feckless.

Maybe leave poor Joe alone rather that pestering him being a tell tale tit about absolutely fuck all.

I feel for him. It's not his fault and he is doing everything to raise attention and hope soneone helps. His parents didn't really consider any potential consequences at all. Strange behaviour.

OP posts:
Original poster
Ihatetomatoes · 20/02/2026 09:12

With everything going on in the middle east in Gaza, Sudan, Syria, Iran slaughtered thousands recently.

Against all advice and guidance.

What does Mr Foreman say? Sorry? No he says 'help'. He must realise there are lots of problems in the world and he doesn't realise that the UK has extremely little say in what Iran does to anyone there.

"Ahead of his sentencing, Mr Foreman said he had a one-word message for the UK Government.
He told ITV News: 'One word would be help. Full stop. I don't understand why we have been here for 13 months, being held hostage in 2026. In what day and age does this (happen)? When does this end?' "

Bizarre at his lack of awareness of countries that don't operate like countries in the West.

OP posts:
quantumbutterfly · 20/02/2026 11:02

Ihatetomatoes · 20/02/2026 09:12

With everything going on in the middle east in Gaza, Sudan, Syria, Iran slaughtered thousands recently.

Against all advice and guidance.

What does Mr Foreman say? Sorry? No he says 'help'. He must realise there are lots of problems in the world and he doesn't realise that the UK has extremely little say in what Iran does to anyone there.

"Ahead of his sentencing, Mr Foreman said he had a one-word message for the UK Government.
He told ITV News: 'One word would be help. Full stop. I don't understand why we have been here for 13 months, being held hostage in 2026. In what day and age does this (happen)? When does this end?' "

Bizarre at his lack of awareness of countries that don't operate like countries in the West.

Edited

Ever read The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy?

https://hitchhikers.fandom.com/wiki/Joo_Janta_200_Super-Chromatic_Peril_Sensitive_Sunglasses

The Joo Janta 200 Super-Chromatic Peril Sensitive Sunglasses have been designed to help people develop a relaxed attitude to danger. They follow the principle "what you don't know can't hurt you" and turn completely dark and opaque at the first sign of danger. This prevents you from seeing anything that might alarm you. This does, however, mean that you see absolutely nothing, including where you're going.
It also tells you that there is something that would alarm you, could you see it. This information alone could also potentially alarm you.

Joo Janta 200 Super-Chromatic Peril Sensitive Sunglasses

The Joo Janta 200 Super-Chromatic Peril Sensitive Sunglasses have been designed to help people develop a relaxed attitude to danger. They follow the principle "what you don't know can't hurt you" and turn completely dark and opaque at the first sign of...

https://hitchhikers.fandom.com/wiki/Joo_Janta_200_Super-Chromatic_Peril_Sensitive_Sunglasses

NotDarkGothicMama · 20/02/2026 11:20

I'm with everyone else: really stupid idea with entirely foreseeable consequences. I listened to LF being interviewed from prison on the radio yesterday and she seemed to think it was the British government's fault because they didn't respond to requests for advice on an alternative route to get to their destination. The FCDO isn't a travel agent Confused

I hope they get out soon and listen to sensible advice next time they want to go on a world peace biker tour.

time4anothername · 20/02/2026 11:30

I've watched a few youtubers biking in Iran, like Itchy Boots. But they are not Brits. Wonder if these two watched those youtubes and thought they could do the same without properly understanding the history and risks of detention in Iran if you are British.

Can understand them wanting to do it, the places are often stunning and the average person on the street seems so hospitable in all of the Middle East country youtubes I have watched. However, it was incredibly high risk and naive and very sad that they have now become bargaining chips.

GingerPants · 20/02/2026 16:50

My dad was an optometrist and he was approached when I was a little girl to go somewhere in Africa for a charity for three months. He looked into it, decided it wasn’t safe based on government advice and instead donated all of the wages he earned in three months to a (different) charity that helped children with eyesight problems in Africa. He made sure it was an actual charity that did proper good stuff first though.

Original poster
Ihatetomatoes · 20/02/2026 17:15

GingerPants · 20/02/2026 16:50

My dad was an optometrist and he was approached when I was a little girl to go somewhere in Africa for a charity for three months. He looked into it, decided it wasn’t safe based on government advice and instead donated all of the wages he earned in three months to a (different) charity that helped children with eyesight problems in Africa. He made sure it was an actual charity that did proper good stuff first though.

That's brilliant. He made a real difference but kept safe.

OP posts:
PrizedPickledPopcorn · 20/02/2026 17:41

Ihatetomatoes · 20/02/2026 09:12

With everything going on in the middle east in Gaza, Sudan, Syria, Iran slaughtered thousands recently.

Against all advice and guidance.

What does Mr Foreman say? Sorry? No he says 'help'. He must realise there are lots of problems in the world and he doesn't realise that the UK has extremely little say in what Iran does to anyone there.

"Ahead of his sentencing, Mr Foreman said he had a one-word message for the UK Government.
He told ITV News: 'One word would be help. Full stop. I don't understand why we have been here for 13 months, being held hostage in 2026. In what day and age does this (happen)? When does this end?' "

Bizarre at his lack of awareness of countries that don't operate like countries in the West.

Edited

Truly.
Stop the Press- “Brits caught up in despotic regime behaving despotically shocker!”

NeverDropYourMooncup · 20/02/2026 17:41

countrymama94 · 19/02/2026 15:51

I know many people who go to “red countries” such as Sudan, Syria, Congo etc for charity purposes. Also Jordan, which I know people attend and in fact a friend of mine is currently there on their “gap year”. The UK also advises against areas of Egypt, my point being, is that the UK gives advice not to travel places but there are MANY people who chose to for charity reasons etc. I would suppose that you’d support the release of those doing charity work, but those doing off their own accord (despite still doing some charity work), are morons and basically deserve it? Yes, they ignored advice as many others have. They are UK citizens and it is natural that family and friends would wish the government to help bring them back.

As I said I would LOVE to see half of you comment on a public forum, with your actual names on there, the comments you are leaving on here as I bet you wouldn’t. Keep hiding behind your phone screens, cowards

I’ve informed Joe of this post too so let’s see how long it will be until people’s comments are being put online and watch you being slated. Wonder how many will own up to it 😂

Whilst you're demanding he gives his attention to you rather than trying to sort out the mess his parents have got themselves into, do let him know that I said 'I'm sorry your parents are a pair of idiots and you've been landed with the job of parenting them'.

TorroFerney · 20/02/2026 17:49

countrymama94 · 19/02/2026 14:54

I actually know Joe (the son) and the parents are actually extremely kind souls. They tried to do charity out there too, to help others. They are not entitled, middle class twerps etc. Yes, they perhaps didn’t really understand the severity but look how many people fly to Egypt despite the warnings there. I bet you all wouldn’t comment on this taking their family there in such a horrible manner. Or perhaps you would behind a phone screen.

Disgusting comments and I hope something like this happens to your families so that you know the pain. In any event, his instagram is public so feel free to write these comments on his page and watch the backlash you get. Of course you won’t though, enjoy hiding behind your phones you low lives. Go get a job or something rather than commenting on people’s lives that you know NOTHING about.

But we do know something about them to be able to comment, we know they went to Iran against FCO advice and started interviewing locals. And no it's not comparable with a week in Hurghada.

Ohwhatfuckeryitistoride · 20/02/2026 17:50

I know someone whose father did extreme walking holidays with his mate. He found out when he came back, that they'd gone to Iran. He was dumbfounded.

HappyFace2025 · 20/02/2026 17:55

They have the cheek to call themselves 'hostages'! They posted videos and photos and are surprised they've been arrested for spying. No sympathy for this stupid couple at all.

BlushingBrightly · 20/02/2026 18:20

countrymama94 · 19/02/2026 15:51

I know many people who go to “red countries” such as Sudan, Syria, Congo etc for charity purposes. Also Jordan, which I know people attend and in fact a friend of mine is currently there on their “gap year”. The UK also advises against areas of Egypt, my point being, is that the UK gives advice not to travel places but there are MANY people who chose to for charity reasons etc. I would suppose that you’d support the release of those doing charity work, but those doing off their own accord (despite still doing some charity work), are morons and basically deserve it? Yes, they ignored advice as many others have. They are UK citizens and it is natural that family and friends would wish the government to help bring them back.

As I said I would LOVE to see half of you comment on a public forum, with your actual names on there, the comments you are leaving on here as I bet you wouldn’t. Keep hiding behind your phone screens, cowards

I’ve informed Joe of this post too so let’s see how long it will be until people’s comments are being put online and watch you being slated. Wonder how many will own up to it 😂

You were registered on your birth certificate as countrymama94 then, right? Oh, my mistake: you're also commenting anonymously. Come back and put your own real name on here if you think you're hard enough.

Also I'm really not sure you understand how the internet works:
let’s see how long it will be until people’s comments are being put online and watch you being slated
You do realise these comments are already online? Is there some special link we have to visit to watch them 'being slated'? Do let us know.

OP posts:
ByQuaintAzureWasp · 05/03/2026 16:51

These two were the first folks I thought of when Trump and Netanyahu invaded Iran. Very scared for their safety.