In northern Nigeria, heavy rains during August and September caused extensive flooding. About two million people in 5,000 villages in Jigawa state were displaced by the floods. In Kano state, two dams were abruptly opened without proper warning, adding to the disaster. 

The rains hit at harvest time, destroying many crops. The UN estimates that 12 million people will be affected by food shortages.

In Niger, after a long drought, the onset of the rains caused flooding that...

While not advising that anyone change their travel plans to Europe, the US State Department alerts US citizens that al-Qa’ida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks there.

Plots may include using assault weapons on public places, as was done in Mumbai, India, in November 2008. In the past, terrorists have attacked subway and rail systems as well as aviation and maritime services in cities such as London, Madrid, Glasgow and Moscow.

The alert covers all...

Most of Mexico’s narcotics-related violence has occurred in the northern border region. In recent months, most notably around Monterrey, drug-trafficking organizations have used stolen trucks to block major highways to prevent the military from responding to criminal activity.

Also in Monterrey, these groups have kidnapped guests out of reputable hotels in the downtown area, blocking off adjoining streets to prevent law enforcement response. They also have attacked Mexican government...