July 2004

The terrorist threat to Americans in the Philippines remains high. The U.S. Embassy urges Americans to avoid crowds as well as nightclubs and bars, among other places, and to exercise caution in public places or on public transportation.

Due to the presence of terrorist organizations in Southeast Asia, the Department of State reiterates its concern about the safety of American citizens and interests there, especially along the east coast of the Malaysian state of Sabah. Since 2000, there have been several kidnappings in eastern Sabah’s coastal areas.

The State Department reminds U.S. citizens that extremist groups such as the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), a terrorist organization with links to al-Qaida, may be planning terrorist acts targeting Americans or American interests in the Kyrgyz Republic.

The Department of State warns that the security threat to all U.S. citizens in Yemen remains high due to continuing efforts by Al-Qaida to reconstitute an effective operating base. This could lead to possible attacks against U.S. citizens, facilities, businesses and perceived interests, including the Sanaa Trade Center and American-affiliated franchises, restaurants and shops.

Tensions generated by the current situation in Iraq have increased the potential threat to U.S. citizens in Iran. Americans may be subject to harassment or kidnapping. Some areas of the country, including the Baluchistan border area near Pakistan and Afghanistan, are not safe for tourism. The Kurdish northwest of the country and areas near the Iraqi border are not considered safe either.

In the aftermath of the killings of two HAMAS leaders by Israel in less than a month, the Department of State continues to urge all U.S. citizens to defer travel to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza due to safety and security concerns. Some HAMAS elements and other terrorist groups have threatened revenge against U.S. interests, which could include kidnappings.

According to the World Health Organization, the recent outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), which was first reported in China on April 22, 2004, has been contained.

Tell ITN about the funniest thing that ever happened to you while traveling in a foreign country. There are no restrictions on length. (ITN prints no info on destinations in the U.S., Canada or Mexico.) The ITN staff will choose each month’s winner, who will receive a free one-year subscription to ITN. Entries not chosen cannot be acknowledged.

This month’s winner is DONNA JUDD of Fullerton, CA:

My husband and I began planning our January ’04 trip to Australia and New Zealand about a year ahead. Several people mentioned that a stopover in Fiji would be a good way to end it. About that time, we read about a “Whale’s Tale day cruise.” We had our trip coordinator, ElderTreks (Toronto, Ontario; phone 800/741-7956), check it out and then made arrangements to include it in our trip.

I would be interested in hearing from others concerning their rental car insurance experiences.