That's precisely what I meant when I wrote the area wasn't safe for foreigners. They would get noticed instantly, like the solar panels, which would have to be hidden behind walls not to attract unwanted attention.
Another issue in the desert is dust. You would need to regularly clean the solar panels.

That's the big question, and nobody has the answer, as there are too many factors to make forecasts. My belief is that as the problem gets more acute, the community will be more willing to find a solution. Then, besides the block size issue, there could small "step-solutions" like raising the minimum amount to make a transaction ((0.05 BTC could become the minimum) or raising fees.

I know the problem so well, and it scares me. The only solution is to minimize your personal data. Don't be on facebook. Never use uber of airbnb. Don't use credit cards, never subscribe to any service and move frequently. Because it takes time to calculate someone' score. If you're always a newbie, you'll stay safe.

The map shows South Algeria. I'm not sure there's a fast and reliable Internet connection available there. And I doubt there would be anyone living there interested in such a business. Foreigners could be tempted, but the area is not safe for Europeans, nor Americans.

From
http://edition.cnn.com/2016/01/07/europe/paris-attacks-brussels-operatives/

The man, using the false Samir Bouzid identification card at a Western Union outlet in the Brussels area, wired 750 euros ($807) to Hasna Ait Boulahcen on November 17, the Belgian prosecutor's office said. Both of the publicized suspects -- the men going by the names of Kayal and Bouzid -- were at the store from which the money was sent.

Time to stop the stupid rumor that BTC is used by the bad guys. They're using WU.

Funny that the guy who says that the people should not have guns is the most protected man in the world, with hundreds of heavily armed men dedicated to his own unique protection, and hundreds of thousands of soldiers with the best guns available under his direct command.

Banks will stay forever because of regulations and normal business practices. In most of Europe, it is impossible to get a phone line without a bank account. The phone company will tell you that it doesn't want to do business with you. No phone, so no Internet and no BTC. Same for utilities.

Doesn't anyone know it's the same thing everywhere, including the US? If you go to a bank with $15,000 in cash, explaining to the bank teller you had the money hidden under your mattress, he will instantly report your suspicious behavior to the police because of AML and KYC regulations.

All your expensive goods are registered (cars, real estate) and if you have expensive jewellery, or gold, you won't be able to sell it without some kind of proof of purchase...

My memory's not very good, but I'm sure it's been done before. This is normal warfare, like everything which can trouble, hurt or disrupt the enemy. I guess IS could pay its soldiers with gold since it has seized quite a lot of metal in Mosul, but it's most likely they will be paid with kidnapped women.

I like that GoSun stove but it's expensive for what it is. I guess that in a few years, price will come down, so I'll get one.

Don't know why they're calling that midget-sized helicopter a drone. If a human can climb aboard, it's not a drone anymore. Does it actually fly with a real man inside?

I can't imagine anything happening in Puerto Rico having an effect outside of Puerto Rico. Just look at Greece: it was huge drama for the Greeks, but nothing changed in Germany or in the rest of Europe. Where's Puerto Rico, by the way? I forgot.

This isn't a question. BTC is the de facto gold standard for every other cryptocurrencies. There would not be any other if BTC hadn't come first. But BTC will never be a gold standard compared to fiat currencies. You may remember that the gold standard implies that it keeps in value whatever the circumstances, be it a war, or an earthquake which would destroy all power networks.

I've never dreamed about BTC and I hope I never will. Nor should anyone. Unless you're Scrooge McDuck, nobody dreams about money. It isn't the end. I dream about what money can bring, say fast cars, top models, huge houses, but I'd be sad to dream about money.

You don't need to use those presumably expensive companies to find out about someone. This service is free:

https://blockchain.info/taint/your-address

And the service it gives is more than enough for most people. Now, who has ever used it? I've checked my address to see what it looked like, but I haven't checked any other.

I'm surprised to read that the derivatives markets are 9 times larges than all stocks markets, because derivatives aren't legal everywhere. The actual, real money involved, as a down payment, should be only a fraction of that amount.

The Saudis? Or other rich Arabs from the Persian gulf? They have yet to show the slightest sign of concern towards immigrants, so I can't imagine them giving any money to make immigrants more easily accepted in Europe.

There's no outside influence.

Sorry, but I don't see BTC's blockchain as something public. I see it more as a private company, which is publicly traded with anyone able to buy shares, in that case, get the proper equipment and become a miner. The world mobile phone network isn't public either, even though everybody can buy a phone and make calls.

Who could check the blockchain to see what's the government is doing?
Does anyone here seriously thinks it's possible?

Do you guys realize that an average country like the UK is doing more than 50 millions transactions each month?
And it's very easy to hide one transaction among thousands others...

I wonder where the OP lives. If I look by the window, I'm not going to see one car, I'm going to see at least 10. And I certainly don't live in a big city. Just an average town.

There isn't one single solution. It all depends on quantity and destination.

Some people have suggested to melt the metal, but I advise not to do that, because it would make gold much more difficult to sell, and it would only sell at a discount. If you want to sell full price, be it a coin or a bar, there must be the name of the issuer on it. If it's a large bar, there shall be a serial number, too.