The embassy in Cairo issued a warning to American tourists earlier this week to exercise increased caution when visiting, due to a severely diminished police and security presence at the site. Specifically, the warning cited groups of people swarming tourists' vehicles, pounding on windows and, in some cases, attempting to open doors.

The famed pyramids of Giza are one of the most recognizable relics of ancient history in the world. In contradiction to the warning, the Egyptian government called the warning "baseless" and insisted that the site is completely secure, and that in fact the situation has improved for tourists in recent months.

As in many other Middle Eastern countries (most notably Israel), tourism is a major industry in Egypt. During the uprising that threw off former ruler Hosni Mubarak in 2011, though, tourism in the country declined sharply. Though the Egyptian government insists that the pyramid site is safe, many tourists remain wary of visiting the region.

Although many cases of violence and discord in the Middle East these past several years may certainly be cause for concern for some interested travelers, Egyptian officials feel that the recent precaution about the Egypt pyramids warning made by the American embassy was unnecessary and ultimately "baseless." This firing back is logical, considering how important and financially valuable tourism is to Egypt and its economy.

However, tourists need to maintain their safety and take the warning seriously. The Middle East can be dangerous, especially with all the turmoil and uproar the state of Egypt and its people have been in.