And even I might be quick to jump on your sister's friend with the typical characterizations. 'Oh she's so naive' and 'little westerner thinks she can save the world' etc etc.

But I kinda stopped myself in my tracks. What is it exactly that is wrong with her instinct to make that trip? If we were to speculate...do we think Lebanese people would be against her visiting? It seems like we're kinda leading ourselves down an isolationist policy in the name of putting down liberal-minded people. Why? Isn't it a GOOD instinct for her to have? To be curious? To care?