News Watch

May 2010 issue | Appears on page 18

Violence in No. Mexico

While millions of US citizens safely visit Mexico each year, recent violent attacks have prompted the US Embassy to urge US citizens to delay unnecessary travel to parts of Durango, Coahuila and Chihuahua states.

Mexican drug cartels are engaged in conflict — among themselves and with Mexican security services — for control of narcotics trafficking routes along the US-Mexico border. Large firefights have taken place in towns and cities across Mexico but occur mostly in northern Mexico...

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May 2010 issue | Appears on page 18

Nigeria political crisis

A fragile power-sharing agreement in Nigeria, with the president representing the northern, Islamist region and the vice president representing the southern, Christian regions, was thrown into crisis in January when President Yar’Adua left the country for medical treatment. In his prolonged absence, opposition parties wrangled over allowing Vice President Jonathan to be the acting president. 

On Jan. 13 a federal court ruled that the vice president should become acting president but...

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May 2010 issue | Appears on page 18

Kenya threats

The US government continues to receive indications of potential terrorist threats in Kenya. The US Embassy in Nairobi has designated a portion of Kenya bordering Somalia and Ethiopia as “restricted without prior authorization” for purposes of travel by US government employees et al.

Violent criminal attacks, including armed carjackings, home invasions/burglaries and kidnappings, can occur at any time and in any location, particularly in Nairobi. As recently as February 2010, US...

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May 2010 issue | Appears on page 18

Central African Republic

The Department of State warns of the risks of traveling in the Central African Republic (CAR) and recommends against all but essential travel outside the capital, Bangui. 

Armed rebel groups, bandits and poachers present real dangers. There have been repeated attacks on Central African and expatriate travelers in the countryside.

Bangui itself, though safer, suffers from elevated crime rates, petty and violent. CAR military and civilian security forces (and people posing as...

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May 2010 issue | Appears on page 19

Eritrea restrictions

The US Department of State recommends deferring all travel to Eritrea because of the Eritrean government’s continued restrictions on travel outside the capital city of Asmara, an increased number of US citizens being arrested without clear justification, and heightened tensions along Eritrea’s borders with Ethiopia and Djibouti.

May 2010 issue | Appears on page 19

Yemen terror threats

The Department of State warns of the high security threat level in Yemen due to terrorist activities, with concerns about possible attacks by extremists against US citizens, facilities and businesses.

The government of Yemen has been battling al Houthi rebels in and around the northern governorate of Sa’ada intermittently since 2004. A cease-fire was announced on Feb. 12, 2010.

May 2010 issue | Appears on page 19

Strikes in Greece

As the financial crisis has deepened in Greece, several protest strikes against a controversial austerity plan have been held in Athens, shutting down public services, including all public transportation. Some of the protests have been violent, with clashes with police. 

May 2010 issue | Appears on page 19

Bangkok protests

The political party favoring ousted, exiled Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the party favoring current Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva continue to protest in the streets of Bangkok, Thailand.

The thousands of protestors have been mostly peaceful, but there is a heightened security presence in the city. Visitors are advised to avoid the rallies and to use the BTS Skytrain or subway system to avoid the traffic congestion.