Afghanistan dangerous

This item appears on page 18 of the November 2008 issue.

The Department of State warns that no part of Afghanistan should be considered immune from violence, and the potential exists for hostile acts, either targeted or random, against Western nationals at any time.

Travel there is unsafe due to military operations, land mines, banditry, armed rivalry among political and tribal groups, and the possibility of terrorist attacks. Carjackings and violent crime remain a problem. Riots and incidents of civil disturbance can and do occur.

Kabul, in particular, has seen a rise in militant attacks, including rocket attacks, vehicle-borne IEDs (improvised explosive devices) and suicide bombings. The number of attacks in the south and southwest continues to be high as a result of insurgent and drug-related activity.

Remnants of the former Taliban regime and the terrorist al-Qa’ida network remain active. Foreigners continue to be targeted for violent attacks and kidnappings, whether motivated by terrorism or criminal activity.