I wouldn't even take a leisurely hike in Iraq. And if I did, no, I would certainly take every measure possible not to 'get lost' and end up in Iran. For the record, I wouldn't take a hike on the Tuman river, either. Most people would call that stupid. Most people are not US journalists. I hope they have realize that Ahmadinejad's crazieness is more than right-wing fear mongering now.
Peace