Gas prices are rising.
Lumber prices are rising.
The Taliban is back.
Hamas is attacking Israel.
Russia is massing on Ukraine’s border.
Conservatives are being censored.
Science is what you want it to be.
Elections have consequences.
But don’t blame me; I voted for the other guy. And something sure doesn’t seem right with this guy....
(Writing this as it is currently happening in DC)
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| An upside-down American flag is a sign of distress. |
Senegal (Security threat level - 3): On 24 May 2011 the U.S. Embassy in Dakar released a Warden Message, which reads in part as follows: "As of May 2011, it was reported that terrorist organizations in West Africa affiliated with al-Qa’ida, will seek to capture or kill U.S. citizens in the region, possibly from locations frequented by Westerners, including markets, shops, hotels and restaurants, in revenge for the death of Usama bin Laden. We advise U.S. citizens traveling in the region to exercise caution, to maintain a low profile, and to avoid areas frequented by foreigners or tourists."
Côte d’Ivoire (Security threat level - 4): On 2 March 2011 the U.S Department of State issued an updated Travel Warning for Cote d'Ivoire, which reads in part as follows: "The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against traveling to Cote d'Ivoire. In addition to the unstable political situation following the contested November 28, 2010 presidential elections, a rapidly declining economy and a banking crisis may result in a scarcity of fuel, food and other vital commodities. We urge U.S. citizens living in Cote d'Ivoire to consider their own personal security and contingency plans, including temporary departure from Cote d'Ivoire. The U.S. Embassy in Abidjan remains in evacuation status following the ordered departure of all non-emergency personnel on December 20, 2010. This replaces the Travel Warning of December 19, 2010 to update U.S. citizens on the deteriorating political and economic situation and to remind citizens of the Department of State's recommendation to avoid travel to Cote d'Ivoire until further notice.
"Following the contested results of presidential elections in November 2010, many demonstrations turned violent, resulting in death and injury. As pressure on the Gbagbo regime by the international community continues, hostility against westerners, including U.S. citizens, appears to be increasing.
"Clashes between military and militia continue to escalate, as do increased and spontaneous road blocks, many by youth extremists loyal to Gbagbo, who have in recent days perpetrated violence and aggression against vehicles and drivers, with some indication that they may be targeting Westerners. Curfews have been imposed by the Gbagbo regime sporadically and then lifted. These may happen at any time. The U.S. Embassy has imposed a curfew on its U.S. employees and may do so from time to time without notice when deemed necessary. For safety and security reasons it is best for U.S. citizens to comply and adhere to curfews and to consider carefully limiting unnecessary movement during periods of heightened tension.
"All non-governmental financial institutions, representing approximately 93 percent of the country's bank accounts, have suspended operations as of February 18, 2011. The banking system and money-wire services in Cote d'Ivoire are no longer operational. U.S. citizens in Cote d'Ivoire may be unable to receive funds. Additionally, European Union sanctions against the Port of Abidjan have had a severe impact on the arrival of imported goods. The State Department anticipates a general economic downturn, serious shortages of fuel, food, and other commodities as well as price increases, which could result in severe hardship and a simultaneous upswing in civil disturbances and crime.
"Communication blockage and imposition of curfews are common. Bulk SMS messaging, frequently used for emergency messages to citizens about demonstrations or security developments, is generally blocked, and communication through individual SMS messaging is disrupted with little notice. Regular cell phone communications also have experienced difficulties from time to time due to infrastructure problems and network call saturation. Road blocks and the searching of vehicles continue throughout the country.
"U.S. citizens in Cote d'Ivoire should remain extremely vigilant and monitor their personal situation as the security environment worsens. Embassy personnel may be asked on a moment's notice to limit non-emergency movement, especially after dark, and to avoid congested areas, including demonstrations and traffic choke points. U.S. citizens should consider similar security practices.
"The U.S. Embassy's Consular Section in Abidjan may need to curtail non-emergency services without notice. Please check the Embassy web site for the latest information. Due to drawdown of consular staff, the Embassy has diminishing ability to assist U.S. citizens wishing to depart the country. The State Department recommends that U.S. citizens who are concerned about their safety take advantage of commercial means of transportation while they are available and while borders remain open."
Côte d’Ivoire (Country threat level - 4): On 30 December 2010 the leader of the radical pro-Laurent Gbagbo group Young Patriots urged fellow supporters to storm the hotel headquarters of opposition candidate Alassane Ouattara on 1 January 2011. The opposition candidate has been running a shadow government from the Golf Hotel in Abidjan, protected by an 800-strong U.N. task force, since the 28 November run-off election.
Meanwhile, on 29 December the U.S. State Department announced that a team of eight military officials had arrived in Abidjan to plan for the possible evacuation of the Cote d’Ivoire Embassy staff. Pentagon officials are concerned that the post-election violence could escalate into a full-blown conflict and are preparing for every contingency.
Morocco (Country threat level - 3): Moroccan government sources reported on 21 May 2010 that authorities have notified another group of foreigners in Morocco of their impending removal from the country for alleged Christian evangelizing activity; an offense punishable under Moroccan law. The 23 notified foreign nationals are predominantly Westerners, including at least one U.S. national. U.S. Embassy officials indicated that they are concerned about the second wave of deportations and are questioning the basis of the removal. The recent notifications follow a similar expulsion of Westerners in early March 2010. Local missionary and Christian groups in the country stated that many Christians are now worried about a perceived low-level government crackdown on Christians in the country.
ASI Comment: Although Morocco maintains good relations with most Western nations, and especially the U.S., diplomatic tensions have increased recently following Morocco’s recent refusal to abide by the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act. International watchdog groups have noted that the recent moves are not only in response to increasing international criticism, but also the government's efforts to deter Muslim conversions to Christianity in the country. Although the situation is not expected to result in violent targeting of Westerners or Christians in the country, rising tensions could include other politically motivated, official acts as well as further deportations of foreigners from the country.
I continue to find this very interesting indeed!
Israel (Country threat level - 4): Rioting occurred in the East Jerusalem neighborhoods of Issawiya, Wadi Joz and Abu Tor on 16 March 2010 during Palestinian protests against the reopening of a synagogue in the area. Angry demonstrators burned tires and threw rocks at anti-riot police officers, who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. At least 20 protesters and two police officers were injured in the unrest. Authorities have been on a heightened state of alert in Jerusalem, which has experienced a significant degree of unrest in recent weeks, motivated by several developments that include Israeli building announcements for East Jerusalem, Israel’s decision to add two disputed shrines in the West Bank to its list of national heritage sites and rumors of an impending Jewish settlers' takeover of al-Aqsa Mosque at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City.
The Palestinian Hamas faction had reportedly called for a day of rage on 16 March, prompting authorities to deploy thousands of additional security personnel in Jerusalem; there were reports that authorities had turned back buses of Palestinians attempting to enter Jerusalem to join protests. There were also reports of additional disturbances near the Old City, including near the Mughrabi and Majlis gates. The aforementioned developments in recent weeks combined with the lack of progress in the peace process have only exacerbated Muslim-Jewish tensions in Jerusalem as well as the West Bank, and further disturbances are likely to occur in the near-term.
