News Watch

October 2008 issue | Appears on page 22

Current warnings for October 2008

As ITN went to press, the State Department had travel warnings on 28 destinations: Georgia, Algeria, Kenya, Yemen, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Timor-Leste, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, Chad, Sri Lanka, Iraq, Eritrea, Côte d’Ivoire, Lebanon, Somalia, Nepal, Haiti, Burundi, Syria, Central African Republic, Israel/West Bank/Gaza, Sudan, Philippines, Afghanistan, Iran, Nigeria and Pakistan. 

For details, call the State Department at 202/647-5225 or visit http://travel.state....

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September 2008 issue | Appears on page 21

Too many bombs

• AFGHANISTAN — A suicide bomber killed more than 40 people in front of the Indian Embassy in Kabul on July 7. Taliban insurgents have vowed to increase bombings to fight the pro-Western government and drive out foreign forces. India is funding large infrastructure projects in Afghanistan.

• INDIA — In Gujarat state in western India, 22 bombs went off on July 26 in the city of Ahmadabad, killing 42 and injuring hundreds. They were set off in crowded markets, buses and even the...

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September 2008 issue | Appears on page 21

Belize crime

The U.S. Embassy in Belmopan, Belize, has warned travelers of increases in violent crime in the capital as well as in the central and western regions of the country. Shootings and armed robberies have increased in both urban and rural areas, especially in Belize City. The government has deployed military troops in the west and on the border with Guatemala.

 

September 2008 issue | Appears on page 21

Argentina roads

In mid-July, Argentina’s senate voted (37 to 36) to not impose grain export taxes, appeasing farmers. For the previous several months, farmers had blocked roads throughout the country in protest, preventing deliveries to supermarkets and disrupting commerce.

September 2008 issue | Appears on page 22

Sichuan’s slow recovery

The Department of State continues to advise travelers to avoid the areas of China’s Sichuan province most severely affected by the May 12 earthquake.

Recovery and restoration operations are ongoing in cities and towns to the north and northwest of Chengdu; infrastructure has been damaged, and road, air and rail transportation may be disrupted. Travelers may experience roadblocks as far north as Jiuzhaigou and as far west as Maerkang. Some secondary roads are dangerous or impassable...

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September 2008 issue | Appears on page 22

Rioting in Mongolia

in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, after allegations that the majority party had interfered in the June 29 election, rioting left five people dead. The next day, campaign offices of the ruling Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party were ransacked and later set ablaze.

A 4-day state of emergency was declared, banning protests and allowing riot police to use tear gas and rubber bullets.

In mid-July, the minority party walked out of the first session of parliament, leaving the government...

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September 2008 issue | Appears on page 22

Uzbekistan watch

The Department of State continues to remind travelers that the potential for a terrorist attack or localized civil disturbance in Uzbekistan still exists, though there have been no violent incidents since May 2005. The U.S. government continues to receive information that indicates terrorist groups may be planning attacks there, possibly against U.S. interests.

 

September 2008 issue | Appears on page 22

Saudi Arabia concerns

The Department of State reminds travelers that there is an ongoing security threat in Saudi Arabia due to the continued presence of terrorist groups who may target Western interests and facilities as well as Saudi government facilities and economic/commercial targets.

Although terrorists have not conducted a successful attack against Westerners there since February 2007, the United States Mission continues to bar personnel’s family from living there.