New warnings for US travelers within the next 48 hours
 

The Observer newspaper (London) and other serious media are warning of an upcoming attack on Afghanistan within the next 48 hours. According to the warnings, terrorist groups may had already positioned some members to attack/kidnap/kill American and British tourists worldwide in retaliation. Beware.

Sounds similar to the threat to Boston last week, nothing happened.

"Nothing happened" that you know off. Maybe a lot did happened that you never had to find out. <BR> <BR>Better safe than sorry.

When the military action DOES begin [and there is a story on BBC's website that says it's soon] it is logical that such attacks could be forthcoming. I doubt that they would be as well organized or concerted as the recent tragic events in the US -- but it's a good idea to heed some of the advice given by the US State Dept. about keeping a low profile etc...

"Concerned": <BR> <BR>If we do indeed face a threat that is, in your words, "worldwide," what do you suggest we do? Hide out on another planet until it's all over? <BR> <BR>Yes, life is dangerous. I live in NYC and when the wind is right still get the smoke from the WTC, so I don't need your reminders of that. Nor do I need vague pronouncements posted by anonymous people that serve only to create more fear and hysteria. <BR> <BR>If you have specific and useful information--say, if you note updated State Department travel warnings--post it. As for generating more fear, I think the terrorists are quite capable of handling that without your assistance.

I heard this monring that the State department did issue a warning to Americans abroad, especially in Asia or the Middle East, to be on guard about kidnapping and personal attacks. I heard on both CNN and This Week with Sam Donaldson, et al.

I'm with you, Escritora -- I understand your response completely. <BR> <BR>I looked for the specific BBC [or Yhaoo] story -- but it was just a line in one and not a headline -- the prediction was based on the fact that British vessels are postioning themselves. <BR> <BR>I'm not going to stop traveling/living -- on the other hand I'm not going to walk down a major Parisian boulevard with a sweatshirt say says "The US rocks" or something like that:) As the "first" father would say -- "that wouldn't be prudent"!

The State Department issued a worldwide travel caution on Friday. <BR> <BR>http://www.travel.state.gov/wwc1.html <BR> <BR>My personal situation is this: We are scheduled to take 30 youth/young adults to England in June (for a church trip). Plans need to be made now and our group is fairly evenly divided as to whether or not we go. As one of the adults in charge, I am really feeling that this is not a good idea. <BR> <BR>What do you guys think? <BR> <BR>Audrey

Audrey, that's an interesting problem. Deciding things like that for myself is easy, but I'm less inclined to try to influence the decisions of others. I guess my first inclination would be not to "lock in" on things any sooner than you have to and remain flexible as long as you can. England next June doesn't sound like a very threatening concept at all to ME, but views on that will certainly vary. Events may come into play for all of us that would demand re-evaluation of things, too.

Thanks, Sally. <BR> <BR>For those who want to read what the State Department is saying rather than what someone heard Sam Donaldson say the State Department is saying, you can read (as I have) the full text of the latest statement at http://travel.state.gov/wwc1.html <BR> <BR>The statement says, in part, that the Department has "unconfirmed information that terrorist actions may be taken against U.S. military facilities and/or establishments frequented by U.S. military personnel in Korea and Japan. We also remain concerned about information we received in May 2001 that American citizens may be the target of a terrorist threat from extremist groups with links to Usama Bin Ladin's Al-Qaida <BR>organization. These individuals have not distinguished between official and civilian targets." <BR> <BR>Note that the information is unconfirmed and that some of it was received in MAY, which means it could refer to the WTC attack. We don't know how the terrorists' minds work. We're not going to know, to be able to anticipate their next move. <BR> <BR>And we delude ourselves if we think we CAN outsmart their twisted evil minds by, say, staying out of Europe, because they might very well have plans for us right here on our home turf. They certainly already hit MY home turf. Are you going to not take your kids to a ballgame, or to the shopping mall, or to their favorite fast-food drive-thru in case the terrorists have those spots in mind? Because they might. That's a chance much of the rest of the world has had to live with for years. Now--at least FOR NOW--we have to live with it, too. <BR> <BR>But I am not going to live with it by retreating to a bomb shelter, being perpetually afraid or otherwise withdrawing from life. No way, folks. Terrorists may indeed dispatch me from this world. But they are going to have to work hard for it--they're not getting a damned bit of help from me in the effort.

This is the full list of countries the State Department advises us to avoid, listed in reverse chronological order of their addition to the list. <BR> <BR>Indonesia - 9/27/01 <BR>Tajikistan - 9/26/01 <BR>Pakistan - 9/25/01 <BR>Kyrgyz Republic - 9/21/01 <BR>Turkmenistan - 9/19/01 <BR>Yemen - 9/19/01 <BR>Macedonia - 9/5/01 <BR>Iran - 8/24/01 <BR>Sierra Leone - 8/20/01 <BR>Israel, the West Bank and Gaza - 8/10/01 <BR>Sri Lanka - 7/24/01 <BR>Iraq - 7/20/01 <BR>Libya - 6/6/01 <BR>Liberia - 5/31/01 <BR>Algeria - 5/31/01 <BR>Central African Republic - 5/30/01 <BR>Solomon Islands - 5/1/01 <BR>Guinea-Bissau - 4/30/01 <BR>Colombia - 4/17/01 <BR>Bosnia & Herzegovina - 4/13/01 <BR>Democratic Republic of Congo - 4/11/01 <BR>Somalia - 2/16/01 <BR>Federal Republic of Yugoslavia - 2/13/01 <BR>Afghanistan - 12/12/00 <BR>Sudan - 12/12/00 <BR>Burundi - 12/7/00 <BR>Angola - 9/8/00 <BR>Lebanon - 8/28/00 <BR>Albania - 6/12/00 <BR>Nigeria - 4/7/00

Escritora, you blasted me for posting information that is being published worldwide. Are you blasting the US Dept of State also? After all, they are issuing the same warnings. You seem to be mad about the situation we are under, and seem determined to keep your head under the sand. In reference to state specifics, what a childish comment; if I knew the when and how, I would either be a terrorist leader or pretty close to one. Your response is a knee-jerk reaction ("I dont want to know", "I don't want to hear it" "Go away", "nah, nah, nahnah,nah"). <BR> <BR>About your list, I sure will had felt very safe on Sept 11th to go to the WTC after reading that list. Obviously, the list is the sure thing when it comes to safety for those who like specifics...... Sad display of histeric denial is more what I read into Escritora's response. <BR> <BR>Once again, travelers, keep a lot profile. Beware.

If you had a college kid in another country-would you get them home or just have faith? (Country is here in North America.) How about flying home this next weekend? Thanks-

First, "Concerned," you published NO information, only hearsay and hysteria. <BR> <BR>Second, re the absurdity of your comment that "I don't want to know": On September 11 I saw the ashes of cremated victims of the WTC attack falling on my house like a snowfall. I can SMELL the attack from my home. What exactly about the attack can you tell me that I don't know all too horrifyingly well? <BR> <BR>It's YOU who are keeping you head in the sand if you believe that staying away from airports and foreign cities will protect you. I was NOT living in absolute safety in my own city on September 11, and neither are you now. <BR> <BR>The State Department has posted useful information on its site. Your postings on this site are useful only to those who seek to create uninformed fear.

<BR>Audrey, <BR>Altho I'm still traveling, both domestic and international, I am not in a group which in my opinion would be like shooting "I'm an American". I hate to say I would not say that now but in light of these warnings I would not advertise it and in a large group I believe that will be difficult to hide. Be safe what ever you choose.

I just returned from a 3 week trip to central and eastern Europe. I have to say that the people there were very friendly and sympathetic to Americans. I also received the following email that I would like to pass on. <BR> <BR>I received this letter from my daughter stationed in Turkey and am passing <BR>it on. Please do the same. <BR>---------------------------------------------------------------------------- <BR>------- <BR>Dad, <BR> <BR>I started sending this to each person as I read their e-mail and have now <BR>decided to send it as a group e-mail, so please pass it on for me. Through <BR>the last few days I have received too many messages against Muslims and the <BR>Middle East right now I need to stand up and inform all of you of <BR>something. <BR> <BR>Do any of you have any idea how many Americans live in the Middle East? At <BR> my base alone, we have 1500 and I am sure this is one of the smallest <BR>places <BR>in the Military. We have been threatened repeatedly by the same group we <BR>think is responsible for the actions against America, so do you know what <BR>happened within hours of the first strike? Muslim Turks surrounded our <BR>buildings. They close off the street and built barricades. They put <BR>themselves in between us and anyone who would attack us. They surrounded <BR>our school and ensured our children got home safe. Now they swarm about in <BR>plainclothes guarding all the places Americans frequently go I have even <BR>noticed them outside our homes watching carefully for any sign that someone <BR>may be out to harm us. <BR> <BR>As the collapse of the buildings was shown on CNN these MUSLIM Turks cried <BR>for us and our country. They are preparing to go to war with us and assist <BR>us in enacting our revenge. I cannot walk across the street without someone <BR>apologizing and offering sympathy to me and my country. <BR> <BR>I want you all to know this is the same thing that is happening all over <BR>the world. In our base paper it told us of our bases in Japan, Germany, <BR>Spain <BR>and Italy being guarded more heavily, just as I know our bases in Saudi and <BR>United Arab Emirates, and Egypt are being guarded. These people are <BR>guarding us against the evil that did this. <BR> <BR>No, these terrorists are not Muslim, but they are evil, using the face of <BR>religion just as it was used during the Spanish inquisition and countless <BR>other times throughout history. Please, while you are praying for the <BR>victims and their families, pray also for Arab Americans and American <BR>Muslims so they will not become victims as well. <BR> <BR>SSgt Jamie Mallory <BR>

My husband and I are going through with our travel plan next Thursday. I am one of those people who decided I am not going to let the terriorist "take the freedom of traveling" from me. However, I want to exrecize extreme caution like the State Apartment advised. I woulod not want anything bad to happen to me and subsequenly giving the terriorists more ammunition to stir fear in people's mind. My question is really about "keeping a low profile." I am an Asian American, so maybe my appearnace would not likely shout out "I am a American." My husban is Caucasian and was born and raised in the US. What should we do to avoid drawing attention? Also, was Americans the only targets now? isn't there reports about threats against British people as well?

to Art and "tad nervous," <BR>thank you both for your postings. <BR>For Art, yours made me feel better, and alas, tad n, yours made me apprehensive, but even if it isn't true that the terrorists are ready to drop the next shoe, I am glad our people are planning on that and trying to prepare. <BR> <BR>On the other hand, I think sometimes that both sides are trying to scare each other to death and there is lots of saber rattling....would that that was all it would amount to...but I am not THAT optimistic, not by a long shot! <BR> <BR>Students of WWII history will recall the so-called phony war that lasted many months, before the Nazis really kicked in their battle plans. One columnist I read today compared this period we are in to that. O gulp, is all I have to say. O yes, and may the good guys win!

I would not hesitate to go to Europe if it were only my family involved. <BR> <BR>I agree with you, Kathy, that this group of 30 would just scream Americans - even in England. The kids have even planned to wear t-shirts with our church's name and location on them. I agree in theory with the idea that if we change our lives because of these attacks then it is as if the terrorists win. This is the arguement that the kids are giving us right now. However, as an adult who would be responsible for the safety of these kids, I just don't feel good about the trip. <BR> <BR>The wait and see approach will work for another 2 or 3 months but then firm plans will have to be made for a group this size. <BR> <BR>Audrey

As a European, I can say that what makes Americans noticeable in Europe is: <BR>- (big!!) white SNEAKERS and white socks <BR>- colorful rucksacks <BR>- teeshirts (usually white, with logos) <BR>- loud, self-confident talk <BR> <BR>This is not to bash Americans, just what gets noticed here. Europeans tend to dress more conservatively, in somewhat darker clothes. Also they usually wear 'ordinary', fairly dark-coloured shoes (with the exception of (very) young people), not sneakers or gym shoes. <BR>Hope this helps. <BR>

This is from the State Dept. own web site (I suppose some of the people who already posted here will say it is not accurate and that we should ignore it) <BR>"PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT <BR>U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE <BR>Office of the Spokesman <BR> <BR>Worldwide Caution <BR>September 28, 2001 <BR>The U.S. Government remains deeply concerned about the security of Americans overseas. Following the attacks on September 11, we have continuing concern based on threatening rhetoric from extremist groups and the potential for further terrorist actions against American citizens and interests. In this environment of increased tension and concern, the Department urges Americans to review their circumstances carefully and to take any measures they deem necessary to ensure their personal safety." See <BR>http://www.travel.state.gov/wwc1.html <BR>Worldwide Caution: issued - 9/28/01, expires - 1/9/02 <BR> <BR>

Nancy, you're right. I am saying that it is not accurate -- you failed to report that you posted a PART of the warning, NOT the warning as a whole. <BR> <BR>The whole warning merits reading, as do the specific country announcements and warnings. <BR> <BR>By the way, there are no warnings for France, Italy, UK, Switzerland, Sweden, Czech Republic, etc.

Escorita---Please shut up. Your 'know it all" attitude stinks.

"All of us"??!!!??? <BR> <BR>I certainly neither appointed nor empowered you to represent MY point of view on this or any other subject. Your imperious attitude is probably that malodorous scent to which you so vehemently object. <BR>BC

Art, thanks for your daughter's letter. Anything that describes "real people" and not the extremists' rhetoric or fearful imaginings is valuable. Her letter is like a bridge over these troubled waters.

Just got back from 2 weeks in Europe: France, Austria & Germany. Let me just say that everyone we met (and we met tons of Europeans) was sympathetic to Americans. Many were wearing flags on their clothing and some even cried for what happened here. I did see that same warning posted by Nancy while in Germany (on European CNN). Not once did I feel unsafe or unwelcome. Quite the opposite.

Art...Relay my family's appreciation to your daughter first of all, for being there for so many Americans and secondly for expressing her views of the Turkish people in such a positive manner. Thank goodness we have so many young women and men like your daughter. We visited Istanbul and Kusadasi/Ephesus for 6 days last July and fell in love with that beautiful historical country and its many wonderful caring people.

Art, please convey my thanks to your daughter, as well. That's a beautifully written expression of sentiments and realities everyone needs to be aware of now, and it was generous of you and her to share them with us all. You must be very proud of her.

"All of us", feel free to say whatever you want, just please don't presume to speak for me. <BR> <BR>Maybe I'm naive, but the State Department warnings would seem to pertain more to obvious targets - like Americans living all together in a foreign city (consulate workers, Army personnel), or working in a U.S. firm overseas (as in, you might want to avoid throwing cocktail parties for all the employees and the CEO), or congregating all in one place (like at an advertised American rally). <BR> <BR>For individuals, I thought it meant to be aware of things to avoid (like if there's a big gathering of Americans in some French park, one might want to avoid the park) or to keep an extra eye open (like a package left on a subway car). <BR> <BR>I always had the feeling that lots of people like to be scared (certainly explains roller coasters and haunted houses at Halloween), so some folks like that little shiver they get when reading about something scary. <BR> <BR>

Escorita, you said, "....afraid or otherwise withdrawing from life. No way, folks. Terrorists may indeed dispatch me from this world. But they are going to have to work hard for it--they're not getting a damned bit of help from me in the effort." <BR> <BR>You go, girl! That's the spirit.......your strength and courage are contagious.

way to go escritora. dont let them shut you up. my son was in the wtc and made it out. he is one lucky ems. unless you live this tradegy every day of your lives you have no idea. so dont go speaking for "all of us" because "all of us" have mouths and can very well speak for ourselves. besides with all this going on in ny and the world right now, even if you disagreed with someone cant you find it in your heart to go past the post w/o saying something nasty. lighten up a bit!

God Bless your daughter, Art. She sounds like a wonderful girl. My daughter came home this weekend and told me of five classmates that are based on ships outside of New York or in Pakistan. <BR>Escritora, you have displayed such strength. I admire you greatly. <BR>To Concerned, we all are. It is a difficult time for everyone. <BR>Peace to all. Please? <BR>

Ditto to "mom" (post just above). She says all that needs to be said.

Just wanted to let anyone coming here know. The US embassy in Italy has sent out warnings to US citizens living here. I recieved an email from them. <BR>It is the same warning that everyone else got from the State Dept.

Audrey, <BR>I think that you can still take your group, but you probably need to make some adjustments. <BR> <BR>The T-shirts have to go! That was not a brilliant idea no matter what. They need to consider their dress. Looking like a large group of teenagers on vaction opens them up to pickpockets and petty thiefs also. <BR> <BR>Also, can you break into smaller groups as you tour. <BR> <BR>Where in England are you going? The risks are probably higer in the cities. I am working with girls going to rural Switzerland. I think that they are fairly safe since this place is SO rural that the terrorists would not get the TV coverage they crave!

I can only say, go to the state dept. sites mentioned and see for yourself. There are consular info sheets on Belgium and Italy, both related to conferences, one of which at least hasn't taken place.

Hmmmmm. The State department issues a WORLDWIDE caution (the first I've seen in the 12 years I've been reading State dept travel statements) and Chris says that "there are no warnings for France, Italy, UK, Switzerland, Sweden, Czech Republic, etc.". I always thought those countries were part of the WORLD but Chris knows better and informs us all that they are not. Better let those Frenchmen know they don't belong on the planet earth Chris.

Carol, <BR> <BR>Agree about the shirts - a similar group from our church took this trip twenty years ago and wore matching logo jackets. Sad how much the world has changed, isn't it? <BR> <BR>I did read the entire caution and I understand that it is based on intelligence reports and not necessarily new threats. The idea that it was a worldwide issue concerns me - I am not an alarmist. I do think that putting 30 kids into a situation where they could become hostages or targets is not smart. <BR> <BR>Our trip was to involve most of the larger towns/cities in Southern England: London, Oxford, Bristol, and Bath. <BR> <BR>We are still on hold after a meeting on Sun. but I am getting the idea from the parents that we will postpone. Thanks for the feedback. <BR>Audrey

I'll rephrase for you, Clark. At the time of my post, there were no "country specific" warnings for France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, UK, Czech Republic, etc. <BR> <BR>And here I thought my original was self-explanitory as it followed the paragraph outlining the need to look up the specific country warnings. <BR> <BR>Thanks for your unbridled sarcasm, Clark. I'd forgotten I was posting on Fodors.

There's actually been a worldwide travel warning for US citizens since sometime in May 2001, connected with threats from Bin Laden & associates. It's been superceded by the 12 September and 28 September warnings.