LES TROIS DÉFIS D'HAMID KARZAÏ APRÈS SA RÉÉLECTION CONTROVERSÉE
LE MONDE 03.11.09
http://www.lemonde.fr/asie-pacifique/article/2009/11/03/les-trois-defis-d-hamid-karzai-apres-sa-reelection-controversee_1262067_3216.html
Hamid Karzaï a gagné son pari : il conserve le pouvoir suprême.
La commission électorale officielle l'a proclamé, lundi 2 novembre à Kaboul, président de la République islamique d'Afghanistan, soldant ainsi un scrutin présidentiel tortueux.
Près de huit ans après avoir été installé à la tête du régime post-taliban par la communauté internationale, il va continuer à présider aux destinées d'un pays stratégique et tourmenté, situé à la croisée des turbulences de l'Asie centrale et du sud ainsi que du Moyen-Orient, et ligne de front dans la bataille contre le djihadisme international.
Les défis qui l'attendent sont immenses. Autant sa première élection au suffrage universel en 2004 - la première dans l'histoire du pays - avait soulevé un certain optimisme, autant sa réélection de 2009 s'inscrit dans un climat dégradé. Hamid Karzaï va devoir avant tout combler les failles ouvertes par des années de politique inconséquente.
Il va lui falloir restaurer une cohésion nationale affaiblie, reconstruire une relation avec l'Occident endommagée et initier un dialogue avec les groupes "réconciliables" de l'insurrection.
Sur ces trois gros chantiers de son nouveau mandat, le président Karzaï, fin tacticien mais pauvre stratège, n'a plus le droit à l'erreur.
La cohésion nationale afghane sort diminuée de ce processus électoral éminemment controversé, entaché de fraudes massives.
Avec le désistement de son principal rival, Abdullah Abdullah, héritier de feu commandant Massoud, le Lion du Panchir, Hamid Karzaï a été privé d'un second tour et donc d'une victoire régulière. "
Il n'obtient pas sa légitimité par le vote mais par la décision d'une commission électorale", souligne Homayoun Chah Assefy, colistier de M. Abdullah.
Ce déficit de légitimité introduit une césure dans l'équilibre politique issu de la conférence de Bonn qui a fondé, fin 2001, l'ère post-talibane.
Déjà en butte à une opposition armée dans le Sud et l'Est pachtounes, M. Karzaï est maintenant aux prises avec une opposition politique, principalement animée par les Tadjiks du Nord.
C'est comme un nouveau front qui s'ouvre face à lui.
En dépit de l'échec de récents pourparlers, l'idée d'un gouvernement d'union nationale, faisant une place de choix au camp de M. Abdullah, reste d'actualité. "Nous représentons désormais une force avec laquelle il faut compter, déclare Ahmed Wali Massoud, frère du Lion du Panchir. Aucun gouvernement ne pourra diriger ce pays en nous ignorant.
" Hamid Karzaï est orfèvre dans l'art d'offrir des postes pour acheter les loyautés. Mais il aura affaire à un camp qui exigera autre chose que des strapontins d'apparat.
La communauté internationale pousse ardemment en ce sens. Le secrétaire général de l'ONU, Ban Ki-moon, était à Kaboul, lundi 2 et mardi 3 novembre, pour convaincre MM. Karzaï et Abdullah de cicatriser les plaies de la campagne.
Derrière lui, les Américains s'activent beaucoup pour recadrer un Hamid Karzaï qu'ils jugent responsable de l'émiettement du paysage politique.
La relation entre le président afghan et l'administration Obama a été exécrable depuis le début de l'année.
POLITIQUE DE LA MAIN TENDUE
A Washington, la corruption du régime de Kaboul est analysée comme un des principaux aliments de l'insurrection.
Maintenant que l'hypothèque électorale est levée, l'heure est aux félicitations.
Mais M. Obama a averti qu'il jugera sur les "actes" et non pas sur "les paroles". Les Américains attendent que son prochain gouvernement inclût des ministres honnêtes et compétents.
Au-delà, ils escomptent surtout des "réformes internes".
L'idée d'affaiblir les pouvoirs de la présidence au profit du Parlement, afin de rendre le régime plus représentatif, est dans l'air. M. Karzaï l'acceptera-t-il ?
Enfin, le président reconduit sera attendu sur le terrain de la "réconciliation nationale".
Cette formule désigne la main tendue à une insurrection composite dont les talibans fournissent le gros des troupes. M. Karzaï prend l'affaire très à coeur car elle touche sa région d'origine, le Sud pachtoune.
Durant la campagne, il a annoncé qu'il ferait des gestes aussitôt après son élection.
Cette politique de la main tendue comprend deux volets de nature différente : la "réintégration" des insurgés locaux, qui implique la mobilisation de moyens financiers pour permettre leur réinsertion dans la vie civile ;
le " dialogue politique" avec l'état-major des talibans, basé à Quetta (Pakistan).
"La réintégration de certains insurgés locaux peut aller assez vite, prévoit un diplomate étranger. Mais le dialogue politique sera un processus autrement plus lent."
Les obstacles à ce dialogue sont nombreux : réticences des talibans à négocier dans l'état actuel du rapport des forces militaires, exigence du départ des troupes étrangères.
Le débat, en tous les cas, va être lancé au plus haut niveau.
Frédéric Bobin
dimanche 8 novembre 2009
1258. IL EST BON DE LE SAVOIR
KARZAÏ EST CORROMPU, MAIS IL FAUT FAIRE AVEC, ESTIME BERNARD KOUCHNER
LEMONDE.FR avec AFP 05.11.09
http://www.lemonde.fr/asie-pacifique/article/2009/11/05/karzai-est-corrompu-mais-il-faut-faire-avec-estime-bernard-kouchner_1262960_3216.html#ens_id=1228393
Le ministre français des affaires étrangères Bernard Kouchner estime que le président afghan Hamid Karzaï est "corrompu" mais les Occidentaux doivent "le légitimer", selon des propos rapportés jeudi par le New York Times et repris par l'International Herald Tribune.
"Karzaï est corrompu, OK", a dit Bernard Kouchner, ajoutant que la corruption était endémique en Afghanistan, selon ces journaux qui relatent certaines déclarations du ministre français au style indirect.
Mais "il est notre homme", a-t-il ajouté.
Le chef de la diplomatie française déplore également l'absence de concertation entre alliés de l'OTAN en Afghanistan, et même parmi les pays de l'Union européenne qui y sont engagés. "En Europe, nous agissons, nous nous battons, nous allons à la guerre, mais nous ne nous parlons pas, et cela est bien dommage", dit-il.
Il ajoute que, selon lui, l'Alliance atlantique "ne fonctionne pas du tout" en Afghanistan. "Quel est le but ? Quel est le chemin ? Et au nom de quoi ?", s'interroge-t-il, selon le New York Times, qui précise que le ministre s'exprimait en anglais et en français.
Bernard Kouchner dit apprécier la nouvelle stratégie américaine en Afghanistan, insistant davantage sur les aspects civils de l'intervention internationale, mais il pose également la question : "Où sont les Américains ? Cela commence à être un problème", avant d'ajouter : "Nous avons besoin de nous parler."
Hamid Karzaï a été réélu à la tête de l'Afghanistan, après le retrait de son adversaire Abdullah Abdullah du second tour de l'élection présidentielle qui devait se tenir le 7 novembre.
L'OTAN SE RETIRERA "QUAND LES AFGHANS SERONT CAPABLES DE S'OCCUPER DE LEUR PAYS"
"Nous sommes d'abord et avant tout en Afghanistan pour notre propre sécurité. Si nous laissions tomber l'Afghanistan, ce pays redeviendrait un sanctuaire pour les terroristes", déclare pour sa part Anders Fogh Rasmussen.
Mais, ajoute-t-il, "la communauté internationale a besoin de savoir avec qui elle va traiter à Kaboul, maintenant que l'élection présidentielle est terminée". "Il faut s'assurer que ce sera un gouvernement fort, crédible, un gouvernement qui fasse bénéficier le peuple afghan des services de base. […]
Je dois souligner que nous resterons engagés aussi longtemps que nécessaire mais évidemment pas pour toujours", réitère M. Rasmussen.
"Notre opération se terminera quand les Afghans seront capables de s'occuper de leur pays. C'est pourquoi la mission de formation des soldats et policiers afghans doit prendre de l'ampleur."
Il juge "compréhensible" que les Etats-Unis "prennent le temps de la réflexion" sur l'envoi éventuel de renforts. "Ce sont des décisions très, très difficiles" à prendre.
LEMONDE.FR avec AFP 05.11.09
http://www.lemonde.fr/asie-pacifique/article/2009/11/05/karzai-est-corrompu-mais-il-faut-faire-avec-estime-bernard-kouchner_1262960_3216.html#ens_id=1228393
Le ministre français des affaires étrangères Bernard Kouchner estime que le président afghan Hamid Karzaï est "corrompu" mais les Occidentaux doivent "le légitimer", selon des propos rapportés jeudi par le New York Times et repris par l'International Herald Tribune.
"Karzaï est corrompu, OK", a dit Bernard Kouchner, ajoutant que la corruption était endémique en Afghanistan, selon ces journaux qui relatent certaines déclarations du ministre français au style indirect.
Mais "il est notre homme", a-t-il ajouté.
Le chef de la diplomatie française déplore également l'absence de concertation entre alliés de l'OTAN en Afghanistan, et même parmi les pays de l'Union européenne qui y sont engagés. "En Europe, nous agissons, nous nous battons, nous allons à la guerre, mais nous ne nous parlons pas, et cela est bien dommage", dit-il.
Il ajoute que, selon lui, l'Alliance atlantique "ne fonctionne pas du tout" en Afghanistan. "Quel est le but ? Quel est le chemin ? Et au nom de quoi ?", s'interroge-t-il, selon le New York Times, qui précise que le ministre s'exprimait en anglais et en français.
Bernard Kouchner dit apprécier la nouvelle stratégie américaine en Afghanistan, insistant davantage sur les aspects civils de l'intervention internationale, mais il pose également la question : "Où sont les Américains ? Cela commence à être un problème", avant d'ajouter : "Nous avons besoin de nous parler."
Hamid Karzaï a été réélu à la tête de l'Afghanistan, après le retrait de son adversaire Abdullah Abdullah du second tour de l'élection présidentielle qui devait se tenir le 7 novembre.
L'OTAN SE RETIRERA "QUAND LES AFGHANS SERONT CAPABLES DE S'OCCUPER DE LEUR PAYS"
"Nous sommes d'abord et avant tout en Afghanistan pour notre propre sécurité. Si nous laissions tomber l'Afghanistan, ce pays redeviendrait un sanctuaire pour les terroristes", déclare pour sa part Anders Fogh Rasmussen.
Mais, ajoute-t-il, "la communauté internationale a besoin de savoir avec qui elle va traiter à Kaboul, maintenant que l'élection présidentielle est terminée". "Il faut s'assurer que ce sera un gouvernement fort, crédible, un gouvernement qui fasse bénéficier le peuple afghan des services de base. […]
Je dois souligner que nous resterons engagés aussi longtemps que nécessaire mais évidemment pas pour toujours", réitère M. Rasmussen.
"Notre opération se terminera quand les Afghans seront capables de s'occuper de leur pays. C'est pourquoi la mission de formation des soldats et policiers afghans doit prendre de l'ampleur."
Il juge "compréhensible" que les Etats-Unis "prennent le temps de la réflexion" sur l'envoi éventuel de renforts. "Ce sont des décisions très, très difficiles" à prendre.
1257. LES AVENTURES DES MAÎTRES DU MONDE
AFGHANISTAN : LA PRESSE INTERNATIONALE DÉNONCE "UNE DÉBÂCLE CINQ ÉTOILES"
Le Monde.fr 03.11.09
http://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2009/11/03/afghanistan-la-presse-internationale-denonce-une-debacle-cinq-etoiles_1262020_3210.html#ens_id=1228393
Au lendemain du retrait de son seul et unique opposant, l'accession d'Hamid Karzaï à la présidence de l'Afghanistan suscite la consternation de la presse internationale.
C'est notamment le cas du côté des Etats-Unis et du Royaume-Uni, qui fournissent une bonne partie des 100 000 soldats actuellement déployés sur le sol afghan.
Dans les pages du Guardian, Simon Tisdall qualifie l'élection d'Hamid Karzaï de "débâcle cinq étoiles". Le journaliste critique violemment la stratégie de Barack Obama et "son incapacité à empêcher une élection sponsorisée par les Etats-Unis de se transformer en fiasco".
Sur ce point, le président américain a échoué, "comme tous les autres". Un échec d'autant plus grave qu'il rend injustifiable toute volonté d'envoyer des troupes supplémentaires, qu'elles soient issues de l'ONU ou de l'OTAN.
Pour Candace Rondeaux, analyste à l'International Crisis Group de Kaboul, citée par le quotidien britannique, "le système est officiellement brisé". "Les Afghans vont devoir endurer encore quatre ans pendant lesquels le pouvoir présidentiel ne sera pas contrôlé et la communauté internationale n'aura que peu de marge de manœuvre pour vérifier les réformes de la Constitution.
A moins que les Etats-Unis et leurs alliés n'aient la volonté de mettre la pression sur Karzaï, je ne vois aucune chance de progrès."
"UNE APPROCHE LAXISTE DE LA CORRUPTION"
Un constat pessimiste partagé par les commentateurs, qui s'inquiètent notamment de la corruption qui gangrène les institutions et l'économie afghanes et que les Occidentaux ne parviennent à endiguer.
Le quotidien The Independent reprend ainsi les propos du premier ministre britannique, Gordon Brown, qui presse Hamid Karzaï de prendre le problème de la corruption à bras-le-corps, seule façon de "mener l'Afghanistan sur le chemin de la prospérité" et surtout de "permettre le départ des troupes étrangères".
Cette position est confortée par un témoignage fort publié sur le site du Times : celui de Nick Horne, fonctionnaire de l'ONU en Afghanistan qui, découragé, a préféré démissionner.
Selon lui, "une des plus grandes erreurs de la communauté internationale en Afghanistan a été de mal appréhender les enjeux politiques qui sous-tendent l'insurrection [des talibans]". La pire des erreurs ayant été "une approche laxiste de la corruption, du copinage et de la vénalité du gouvernement afghan".
Il oppose à ce "laissez-faire" des solutions radicales : "contraindre un gouvernement afghan réticent en utilisant le levier de l'aide financière". Quitte à heurter le sentiment de souveraineté des Afghans :
"Nous payons un prix élevé en terme de sang et d'argent pour maintenir ce gouvernement [...]. Nos soldats se mettent physiquement en danger. Il est temps que nos leaders prennent des risques politiques."
"COMMISSION ANTICORRUPTION"
Pour les journalistes du New York Times, la nomination du président afghan affaiblit considérablement la crédibilité de la stratégie du président américain dans la région.
Embarrassé, Washington a réclamé dès lundi la mise en place d'une "commission anticorruption pour rendre compte de la probité des officiels du gouvernement au niveau local et national".
Mais face à la faiblesse des déclarations d'Hamid Karzaï, qui accepte l'idée d'un plan anticorruption mais reste vague quant à son application, les auteurs de l'article pointent les critiques émanant des adversaires d'Obama :
"Des délais supplémentaires, disent-ils, pourraient mettre en danger les troupes et saper les efforts pour lutter contre Al-Qaida et les talibans en Afghanistan."
Le quotidien espagnol El Pais dresse quant à lui un portrait contrasté d'Hamid Karzaï. L'auteur souligne qu'"il subsiste peu de choses du Karzaï des premières années, celui qui a été élu président en 2004. Encerclé par les talibans, de plus en plus audacieux et efficaces dans leurs attaques, [...] l'homme dont l'Occident pensait qu'il allait instaurer la démocratie en Afghanistan n'a cessé d'islamiser son discours et ses lois pour tenter de survivre."
Des accusations balayées par le principal intéressé, qui dans sa première prise de parole depuis sa reconduction au pouvoir promet de s'attaquer au fléau de la corruption, d'engager des réformes et de constituer un gouvernement "d'union".
Hamid Karzaï a également lancé un appel "à ses frères talibans" pour qu'ils rentrent en Afghanistan et contribuent à rétablir la paix dans le pays.
Un appel aussitôt rejeté par les talibans, qui ont fait savoir par l'intermédiaire d'un porte-parole qu'ils considéraient Hamid Karzaï comme "une marionnette impliquée dans des fraudes massives et inacceptables".
Audrey Fournier
Le Monde.fr 03.11.09
http://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2009/11/03/afghanistan-la-presse-internationale-denonce-une-debacle-cinq-etoiles_1262020_3210.html#ens_id=1228393
Au lendemain du retrait de son seul et unique opposant, l'accession d'Hamid Karzaï à la présidence de l'Afghanistan suscite la consternation de la presse internationale.
C'est notamment le cas du côté des Etats-Unis et du Royaume-Uni, qui fournissent une bonne partie des 100 000 soldats actuellement déployés sur le sol afghan.
Dans les pages du Guardian, Simon Tisdall qualifie l'élection d'Hamid Karzaï de "débâcle cinq étoiles". Le journaliste critique violemment la stratégie de Barack Obama et "son incapacité à empêcher une élection sponsorisée par les Etats-Unis de se transformer en fiasco".
Sur ce point, le président américain a échoué, "comme tous les autres". Un échec d'autant plus grave qu'il rend injustifiable toute volonté d'envoyer des troupes supplémentaires, qu'elles soient issues de l'ONU ou de l'OTAN.
Pour Candace Rondeaux, analyste à l'International Crisis Group de Kaboul, citée par le quotidien britannique, "le système est officiellement brisé". "Les Afghans vont devoir endurer encore quatre ans pendant lesquels le pouvoir présidentiel ne sera pas contrôlé et la communauté internationale n'aura que peu de marge de manœuvre pour vérifier les réformes de la Constitution.
A moins que les Etats-Unis et leurs alliés n'aient la volonté de mettre la pression sur Karzaï, je ne vois aucune chance de progrès."
"UNE APPROCHE LAXISTE DE LA CORRUPTION"
Un constat pessimiste partagé par les commentateurs, qui s'inquiètent notamment de la corruption qui gangrène les institutions et l'économie afghanes et que les Occidentaux ne parviennent à endiguer.
Le quotidien The Independent reprend ainsi les propos du premier ministre britannique, Gordon Brown, qui presse Hamid Karzaï de prendre le problème de la corruption à bras-le-corps, seule façon de "mener l'Afghanistan sur le chemin de la prospérité" et surtout de "permettre le départ des troupes étrangères".
Cette position est confortée par un témoignage fort publié sur le site du Times : celui de Nick Horne, fonctionnaire de l'ONU en Afghanistan qui, découragé, a préféré démissionner.
Selon lui, "une des plus grandes erreurs de la communauté internationale en Afghanistan a été de mal appréhender les enjeux politiques qui sous-tendent l'insurrection [des talibans]". La pire des erreurs ayant été "une approche laxiste de la corruption, du copinage et de la vénalité du gouvernement afghan".
Il oppose à ce "laissez-faire" des solutions radicales : "contraindre un gouvernement afghan réticent en utilisant le levier de l'aide financière". Quitte à heurter le sentiment de souveraineté des Afghans :
"Nous payons un prix élevé en terme de sang et d'argent pour maintenir ce gouvernement [...]. Nos soldats se mettent physiquement en danger. Il est temps que nos leaders prennent des risques politiques."
"COMMISSION ANTICORRUPTION"
Pour les journalistes du New York Times, la nomination du président afghan affaiblit considérablement la crédibilité de la stratégie du président américain dans la région.
Embarrassé, Washington a réclamé dès lundi la mise en place d'une "commission anticorruption pour rendre compte de la probité des officiels du gouvernement au niveau local et national".
Mais face à la faiblesse des déclarations d'Hamid Karzaï, qui accepte l'idée d'un plan anticorruption mais reste vague quant à son application, les auteurs de l'article pointent les critiques émanant des adversaires d'Obama :
"Des délais supplémentaires, disent-ils, pourraient mettre en danger les troupes et saper les efforts pour lutter contre Al-Qaida et les talibans en Afghanistan."
Le quotidien espagnol El Pais dresse quant à lui un portrait contrasté d'Hamid Karzaï. L'auteur souligne qu'"il subsiste peu de choses du Karzaï des premières années, celui qui a été élu président en 2004. Encerclé par les talibans, de plus en plus audacieux et efficaces dans leurs attaques, [...] l'homme dont l'Occident pensait qu'il allait instaurer la démocratie en Afghanistan n'a cessé d'islamiser son discours et ses lois pour tenter de survivre."
Des accusations balayées par le principal intéressé, qui dans sa première prise de parole depuis sa reconduction au pouvoir promet de s'attaquer au fléau de la corruption, d'engager des réformes et de constituer un gouvernement "d'union".
Hamid Karzaï a également lancé un appel "à ses frères talibans" pour qu'ils rentrent en Afghanistan et contribuent à rétablir la paix dans le pays.
Un appel aussitôt rejeté par les talibans, qui ont fait savoir par l'intermédiaire d'un porte-parole qu'ils considéraient Hamid Karzaï comme "une marionnette impliquée dans des fraudes massives et inacceptables".
Audrey Fournier
1256. LES MAÎTRES DU MONDE
THE AFGHAN ELECTION: A FIVE-STAR DEBACLE
With the UN's reputation in tatters and Washington in denial over Abdullah's exit, Obama must turn this round or look like a loser
Simon Tisdall
Sunday 1 November 2009
The Guardian
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/nov/01/abdullah-withdrawal-afghanistan-election-clinton
In Afghanistan's disreputable 2009 presidential election, everyone's a loser. Hamid Karzai's "victory", achieved by fraud and now by default, has left him a tarnished, diminished figure.
The US administration that orchestrated the whole process still lacks the credible partner in Kabul it says is essential for success.
The UN's reputation for probity lies critically wounded in the gutter, a victim of inaction and bitter infighting among officials.
Nato's mission looks even more rudderless and ill-defined than before.
The cause of the Afghan people, bemused and terrorised by turns, is no further forward and may in truth have been set back.
US officials risked ridicule by claiming the election process remained credible, despite the decision of Abdullah Abdullah, Karzai's only remaining rival, to pull out of a second round run-off.
Referring to wildly dissimilar American election precedents, secretary of state Hillary Clinton said his withdrawal did not necessarily destroy the validity of the run-off – even if only one candidate was running.
"It's not surprising that he [Abdullah] is not going to contest an election he wasn't going to win," an unnamed White House official told the Washington Post. "This is not a challenge in any way to the process of choosing the next Afghan president. This is politics."
The official went on: "However this shakes out, it does not affect the legitimacy of the process."
This creative interpretation of the weekend's events ignored the fact that it was Hillary Clinton and Richard Holbrooke, the US special Afghanistan-Pakistan representative, who only a few days ago strong-armed Karzai into accepting a second round.
It was essential, they said, given that his supposed first-round victory was fraudulent to the point of farce.
The White House spinners also dodged the obvious conclusion, arising from Abdullah's withdrawal, that notwithstanding all their power and influence, the US, the UN, and assembled western diplomats, plus Afghanistan's discredited Independent Election Commission were unable, in the final analysis, to ensure a free and fair vote.
Abdullah's call for the replacement of compromised election officials was ignored.
The UN's wish that the number of polling stations be reduced to lessen the chance of a repeat fraud received similar short shrift.
It had become clear in recent days that there was little or nothing to prevent further pro-Karzai ballot-rigging on an epic scale.
Whether the run-off will go ahead remains uncertain at this point. If Abdullah cuts some kind of power-sharing or national unity deal with Karzai, it may be cancelled and further embarrassment avoided. Or it may go ahead – but more "smoothly", given that there will be no actual contest. Some western officials seem to be privately hoping for this sort of fudge.
Peter Galbraith, a former senior American diplomat who was sacked from the UN mission in Kabul in a row over its turning a blind eye to ballot rigging, warned last week that a fraud-stained second round would be "catastrophic for Afghanistan and the allied military mission battling the Taliban and al-Qaida".
For this reason, others might say, rendering a second round irrelevant has obvious attractions.
Galbraith said a Karzai second term, however achieved, would be "tainted at home and abroad".
To overcome this crisis of legitimacy, he urged the adoption of reforms put forward by Abdullah that would allow greater power-sharing among ethnic groups, the election of provincial governors, increased power for local governments, and the appointment of a prime minister and cabinet by parliament, not by the president.
Barack Obama may insist on such reforms as part of his still unfinished Afghan policy review.
Reducing Karzai's powers in these ways would provide a fig leaf for Washington's abject failure to secure the democratic and governmental advances that it hoped would justify ever more costly, and ever more unpopular, US and Nato military involvement.
As of last Friday, Obama, like an ivory tower professor struggling to engage with reality, was still calling for more option papers from the Pentagon on future troop levels.
The latest word in Washington is that he will increase US forces, though by fewer than the 40,000 additional troops requested by his commander, General Stanley McChrystal.
They will be used to defend key Afghan cities and population centres from Taliban attack.
In the countryside, US and Nato forces may shift to guerrilla-style, counter-terrorist tactics.
Maybe, given time, Obama can turn things around. But his inability to prevent the US-promoted election turning into a five-star debacle was damaging.
It has left him looking like something he has rarely been in his lifetime – a loser, just like everyone else.
The only winners yesterday were the bad guys.
With the UN's reputation in tatters and Washington in denial over Abdullah's exit, Obama must turn this round or look like a loser
Simon Tisdall
Sunday 1 November 2009
The Guardian
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/nov/01/abdullah-withdrawal-afghanistan-election-clinton
In Afghanistan's disreputable 2009 presidential election, everyone's a loser. Hamid Karzai's "victory", achieved by fraud and now by default, has left him a tarnished, diminished figure.
The US administration that orchestrated the whole process still lacks the credible partner in Kabul it says is essential for success.
The UN's reputation for probity lies critically wounded in the gutter, a victim of inaction and bitter infighting among officials.
Nato's mission looks even more rudderless and ill-defined than before.
The cause of the Afghan people, bemused and terrorised by turns, is no further forward and may in truth have been set back.
US officials risked ridicule by claiming the election process remained credible, despite the decision of Abdullah Abdullah, Karzai's only remaining rival, to pull out of a second round run-off.
Referring to wildly dissimilar American election precedents, secretary of state Hillary Clinton said his withdrawal did not necessarily destroy the validity of the run-off – even if only one candidate was running.
"It's not surprising that he [Abdullah] is not going to contest an election he wasn't going to win," an unnamed White House official told the Washington Post. "This is not a challenge in any way to the process of choosing the next Afghan president. This is politics."
The official went on: "However this shakes out, it does not affect the legitimacy of the process."
This creative interpretation of the weekend's events ignored the fact that it was Hillary Clinton and Richard Holbrooke, the US special Afghanistan-Pakistan representative, who only a few days ago strong-armed Karzai into accepting a second round.
It was essential, they said, given that his supposed first-round victory was fraudulent to the point of farce.
The White House spinners also dodged the obvious conclusion, arising from Abdullah's withdrawal, that notwithstanding all their power and influence, the US, the UN, and assembled western diplomats, plus Afghanistan's discredited Independent Election Commission were unable, in the final analysis, to ensure a free and fair vote.
Abdullah's call for the replacement of compromised election officials was ignored.
The UN's wish that the number of polling stations be reduced to lessen the chance of a repeat fraud received similar short shrift.
It had become clear in recent days that there was little or nothing to prevent further pro-Karzai ballot-rigging on an epic scale.
Whether the run-off will go ahead remains uncertain at this point. If Abdullah cuts some kind of power-sharing or national unity deal with Karzai, it may be cancelled and further embarrassment avoided. Or it may go ahead – but more "smoothly", given that there will be no actual contest. Some western officials seem to be privately hoping for this sort of fudge.
Peter Galbraith, a former senior American diplomat who was sacked from the UN mission in Kabul in a row over its turning a blind eye to ballot rigging, warned last week that a fraud-stained second round would be "catastrophic for Afghanistan and the allied military mission battling the Taliban and al-Qaida".
For this reason, others might say, rendering a second round irrelevant has obvious attractions.
Galbraith said a Karzai second term, however achieved, would be "tainted at home and abroad".
To overcome this crisis of legitimacy, he urged the adoption of reforms put forward by Abdullah that would allow greater power-sharing among ethnic groups, the election of provincial governors, increased power for local governments, and the appointment of a prime minister and cabinet by parliament, not by the president.
Barack Obama may insist on such reforms as part of his still unfinished Afghan policy review.
Reducing Karzai's powers in these ways would provide a fig leaf for Washington's abject failure to secure the democratic and governmental advances that it hoped would justify ever more costly, and ever more unpopular, US and Nato military involvement.
As of last Friday, Obama, like an ivory tower professor struggling to engage with reality, was still calling for more option papers from the Pentagon on future troop levels.
The latest word in Washington is that he will increase US forces, though by fewer than the 40,000 additional troops requested by his commander, General Stanley McChrystal.
They will be used to defend key Afghan cities and population centres from Taliban attack.
In the countryside, US and Nato forces may shift to guerrilla-style, counter-terrorist tactics.
Maybe, given time, Obama can turn things around. But his inability to prevent the US-promoted election turning into a five-star debacle was damaging.
It has left him looking like something he has rarely been in his lifetime – a loser, just like everyone else.
The only winners yesterday were the bad guys.
mardi 3 novembre 2009
1255
Un philosophe philosophant ne peut le faire sans son chat.
*
Photo: DEKORATION
Déco, meubles et design
http://www.dekoration.fr/
Tabouret Funkeys, en forme de touche d’ordinateur
Si vous êtes à la fois Geek et fan de déco, alors les tabourets Funkeys sont faits pour vous. Le designer Alex Garnett s’amuse à détourner les objets. Avec la série Funkeys, il a créé des tabourets en forme de touches géantes de clavier d’ordinateur (largeur : 58 cm, longueur : 58 cm, hauteur : 40 cm,
Diamètre: poids : 6 kg).
Pause, del, home, esc, rec, message, help… Vous avez l’embarras du choix dans le choix de votre touche et de la couleur.
1253. LE PHILOSOPHE EST DU MÉTAL DONT ON FAIT LES HÉROS.
Le professeur Bulle qui est d'une grande rigueur morale ne peut écrire qu'avec un clavier métallique -représentant sa pensée en action et son action qui transforme le monde. Une plume d'oie est alors tout à fait inadéquate. Ce clavier d'acier et cuivre avec les touches d'anciennes machines à écrire est par contre tout à fait adéquat. Et le professeur Bulle est un homme adéquat.*
Source photo + info: Numerivore. http://www.numerivore.com/gadget/un-clavier-dordinateur-plus-que-retro-pour-les-nostalgiques/
Inventeur Jake von Slatt
STEAMPUNK KEYBOARD MOD
http://www.steampunkworkshop.com/keyboard.shtml
DATAMANCER
Prestidigital Datamancery & Paraphrenalic Technofetishism
http://datamancer.net/keyboards/keyboards.htm
1252. LE PHILOSOPHE N'A RIEN À CACHER
Le professeur Bulle est un être transparent qui écrit des idées claires avec des mots précis. Un clavier transparent et lavable est l'ustensile adéquat.
*
Designer Kong Fanwen
1251. LE PHILOSOPHE QUI DONNE DES LEÇONS DE MORALE NE PEUT LE FAIRE N'IMPORTE COMMENT NI AVEC N'IMPORTE QUOI.
Clavier flexible et lavable pour le philosophe aimant l'hygiène et les idées morales.
1249. LE PHILOSOPHE EST L'ENNEMI DE LA PENSÉE RIGIDE
Si on utilise le même instrument que tout le monde ne pense-t-on pas comme tout le monde et n'importe qui? Le n'importe quoi n'en est-il pas la suite logique?
1248. À BIEN Y PENSER A-T-ON VRAIMENT BESOIN DE DEUX MAINS POUR ÉCRIRE ? UNE SEULE SUFFIT AVEC UN CRAYON.
Le philosophe gaucher gauchiste mais non gauche dont les racines politiques sont à gauche appréciera ce clavier. Le philosophe droitiste a également un clavier à droite mais pas plus adroit que le précédent que nous ne montrerons pas ici pour des raisons évidentes. Car s'il y a un précédent, il y a un suivant et un suivi ou un suiveur et le philosophe montre la voix.
*
Alibaba.com
http://french.alibaba.com/product-gs/bamboo-keyboard-type-88-computer-keyboard-computer-component--224118182.html
1247. LE PHILOSOPHE BRICOLEUR
Le philosophe qui recherche le contact avec la Nature appréciera ce clavier en bois basé sur le jeu de scrabble ce qui joint l'utile à l'agréable.
*
Photo: http://www.datamancer.net/keyboards/scrabble/scrabble.htm
1246. LE PHILOSOPHE PRATIQUE
Un clavier écologique en bambou. Un clavier équitable qui aidera les Tiers-Monde qui en a bien besoin.
*
Photo: Alibaba.com
http://french.alibaba.com/product-gs/bamboo-keyboard-type-88-computer-keyboard-computer-component--224118182.html
http://french.alibaba.com/product-gs/bamboo-keyboard-type-88-computer-keyboard-computer-component--224118182.html
1245. AUCUN MOT N'EST INUTILE POUR LE PHILOSOPHE. AU BESOIN, IL EN INVENTERA.
Proust aurait aimé ce clavier.
1244. ON NE PEUT ÊTRE PHILOSOPHE SI ON NE CONNAÎT PAS SON ALPHABET
Un philosophe qui écrit de la philosophie et qui ne se sert pas de plume d'oie (de l'oie de son poulailler ou oillier) avec de l'encre cuisinée de sa main avec des betteraves ou des bleuets) peut aller jusqu à la dangereuse innovation qu'est le stylo à bille ou la plume fontaine (que les français de France appelle stylo ce qui en a fait un peuple dont on se méfie dans le monde entier) pour ne rien dire du dactylographe. On popularisa le terme sous le nom de machine à écrire ce qui dit tout et de l'appareil et des gens qui l'utilisaient. La plupart, d'ailleurs, sont presque tous mort. Ce qui dit tout. Encore. Certains innovateurs usent même de l'ordinateur mais pour rester les pieds sur terre se doivent d'avoir ce clavier alphabétique tout à fait logique où les caractères sont rangés dans le meilleur sens du monde au lieu des bizarreries comme qwerrty ou azerty. À une époque précédente, le Vatican et l'Inquisition aurait brûlé pour moins que ça! Quoi dire de mieux que ABCD. Il peut alors écrire ses pensés à 2 doigts ou avec un seul et sera très heureux. Bien entendu si sa philosophie est heureuse. *
Photo : clavier (alphabétique) d'ordinateur Fast Finger
TECHNO et FOLIES
http://www.francoischarron.com/clavier-avec-disposition-alphabetique/-/ZyyDPuI2AV/menu/
dimanche 1 novembre 2009
1238. DANS LE DOUTE DEMANDONS AUX ANGLAIS
FOREIGN & COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/asia-oceania/afghanistan/
Asia and Oceania
Afghanistan
Still current at: 01 November 2009
Updated: 29 October 2009
This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary and Kabul sections (attack on UN guesthouse in Kabul; rockets fired into Kabul City). The over all level of the advice has not changed.
Travel Summary
•On October 28, 2009, suicide bombers attacked a UN guesthouse in Kabul, killing a number of people, including five UN workers.
•Also on October 28, 2009, insurgents fired a number of rockets into Kabul City, with reports of impacts within the Serena Hotel compound and within the grounds of the Presidential Palace. No casualties were reported.
•Kabul City itself, was relatively quiet with no major incidents until mid August 2009. Since then, there has been a spike in vehicle borne suicide bomb attacks in Kabul City, with five attacks occurring. Four of these attacks have been directed against ISAF (International Security Assistance Force- i.e. the foreign military) including an attack on the main ISAF Headquarters near Shash Darak, and against an Italian ISAF convoy on the Airport Road. The most recent attack, however, occurred against the Indian Embassy (in the vicinity of the Ministry of Interior in the Shar-e-Naw district of Kabul City) in the morning of 08 October 2009. This attack is estimated to have killed approximately 17 people and wounded over 80. The majority of those killed and wounded were street cleaners and Afghan civilians. The threat remains high and further attacks are possible.
•Preparations are being made for the second round of national elections, due on 07 November 2009. Insurgent activity may increase in this period.
•Additional vigilance and care should be taken, particularly in and around landmark locations and places where large public crowds can gather. Hotels used by the Government of Afghanistan, western nationals, international Embassies and Ministries and military establishments have been attacked in the past and there is always the possibility of further attacks.
•Afghanistan has a high threat of terrorism. Specific methods of attack are evolving and increasingly sophisticated.
•No part of Afghanistan should be considered immune from violence and the potential exists throughout the country for hostile acts. Visitors travelling to Afghanistan do so at their own risk and without protection from HMG.
•You should maintain a heightened level of vigilance at all time; observing the strictest of security measures and avoid any unnecessary travel. Travellers should also consider making their own security arrangements for the duration of their time in Afghanistan.
•The kidnap threat throughout the country remains high, particularly against local nationals, but also against the international community. The threat of kidnap against the international community in Kabul City has risen recently. Increased vigilance is paramount as well as avoiding pattern-setting in terms of timings, routes and routines.
•We advise against all but essential travel to Kabul and the surrounding urban area, because of ongoing terrorist activity and the high risk of kidnap, violent crime and suicide attacks. The main supply routes and principle roads have a particularly heightened threat of roadside bombs and ambush.
•In the lead up to the election on 20 August, despite extensive election security plans, attacks and intimidation of candidates, campaigners and the election process itself increased. Attacks on high-profile targets such as Government institutions were attempted. British nationals are advised to stay away from the whole electoral election process. Depending upon the popular reaction to results and the perceived perception of the fairness of the elections and their results, there may be demonstrations, which could turn violent. British nationals are advised to stay away from crowds and public places during and after the election period. British nationals are advised to register with the British Embassy (using LOCATE) on arrival in Afghanistan.
•We advise the following travel restrictions according to provincial region:
Kabul:
•We advise against all travel to the Sorobi, Paghman, Musayhi and Chahar Asyab Districts of the Kabul province.
•We advise against all but essential travel to Kabul.
Northern Afghanistan:
•We advise against all but essential travel to Badakshan, Balkh, Baghlan, Faryab, Jawzjan, Samangan, Sari Pul and Takhar. The Wakhan District of Badakhshan is more permissive.
•We advise against all travel to Kunduz and Baghlan-e Jadid District of Baghlan.
Eastern Afghanistan:
•We advise against all travel to Ghazni, Kapisa Khost, Kunar, Laghman, Logar, Nangarhar, Nuristan, Paktika, Wardak and Paktya.
•We advise against all but essential travel to Bamiyan, Parwan and Panjshir. Bamiyan town is considered benign.
Southern Afghanistan:
•We advise against all travel to Helmand, Kandahar, Nimroz, Uruzgan and Zabul.
Western Afghanistan:
•We advise against all travel to Badghis, Farah and the Shindand and Gozarah Districts of Herat province.
•We advise against all but essential travel to Dai Kundi, Ghor and Herat.
•The British Embassy in Kabul is able to offer only limited consular assistance and does not issue visas. Information of specific and urgent threats is circulated via the Warden network within Afghanistan. It is therefore important that you register with the British Embassy in Kabul on arrival. See the Contact Details section of this advice page for more details.
•19 British nationals required consular assistance in Afghanistan in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident: deaths (10 cases); hospitalisations (1 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (6 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (17 cases).
•We recommend that comprehensive travel and medical insurance is obtained before travelling. You should check any exclusion, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and travel insurance for more details.
Safety and security
Terrorism/Security
You should be aware of the continuing high threat from terrorism within Afghanistan. Threats, specific or otherwise, are reported on a daily basis. Terrorist and insurgents conduct frequent and widespread lethal attacks against British and Coalition armed forces, political and civilian targets.
We continue to receive reports which indicate specific terrorist threats against visibly British and Western institutions, organisations and individuals. Threats also apply to those involved in work with the United Nations as well as those working in the humanitarian and reconstruction fields. Attacks throughout Afghanistan have included bombs (roadside and other), suicide bombs (either bodyborne or by vehicle), indirect fire (rockets and mortars), direct fire attacks (shootings and rocket propelled grenades), kidnappings and violent crime.
You should also remain aware of the risks posed by the large amounts of unexploded ordnance and land mines (both anti-tank and anti-personnel) throughout the country.
You should also be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets including places frequented by foreigners. For more general information see the “Terrorism Abroad” page of the FCO website. Additional vigilance and care should be taken, particularly in and around landmark locations and places where large public crowds can gather. Hotels used by the Government of Afghanistan and western nationals and Ministries and military establishments have been attacked in the past and there is always the possibility that there may be further such attacks.
You should also be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets including places frequented by foreigners. For more general information see terrorism abroad.
Additional vigilance and care should be taken, particularly in and around landmark locations and places where large public crowds can gather. Hotels used by the Government of Afghanistan and western nationals and Ministries and military establishments have been attacked in the past and there is always the possibility that there may be further such attacks.
Kidnap
On 26 July 2007, one Taliban commander is reported to have urged Taliban fighters to continue the tactic of kidnapping foreign nationals. This was repeated in September 2009. You should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage-takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.
Since 2007 a number of international people have been kidnapped, both by terrorists and criminals. The most recent British victims were Sean Langan who was kidnapped in May 2008 near the Pakistan border and subsequently was released in Pakistan and Steve Farrell who was kidnapped in September 2009 in Kunduz and was rescued after being held captive for a few days.
For more general information see victims of crime abroad.
Local Travel
If you remain in Afghanistan, particularly outside Kabul, you should continue to reassess your situation. You should exercise the utmost care and vary your routines. You should always ensure car doors are locked and windows closed, and if possible maintain radio, or telephone, communications to report your movements. We advise you to avoid any protests, demonstrations and large gatherings. Visitors/workers are advised not to set regular patterns of movement whilst travelling in the city and to ensure they take professional security advice whilst in country.
You should avoid regular visits to public places frequented by foreigners, including hotels, restaurants, shops and market places, especially at times of day when they are particularly busy and congested. The British Embassy does not currently allow official visitors to stay in most hotels overnight, and has placed less well protected restaurants off limits to staff. We recommend that you consult the warden network via the British Embassy for further information on the security of venues across Kabul and elsewhere before undertaking any travel.
If, despite this advice, you travel outside Kabul, you should only do so with reputable local guides and only to fully protected workplaces. You should consider permanent armed protection and use registered armoured vehicles. You should be aware that even these precautions cannot guarantee your safety. The threat from kidnapping, suicide bombs, roadside bombs, indirect fire and ambush throughout Afghanistan remains.
Road Travel
Road travel remains highly dangerous. Deployments of false vehicle checkpoints from which violent attacks have been mounted are methods insurgents have used in the past. In addition to the threat from terrorism/ kidnapping, there is also a continuing criminal threat from car jacking and robbery. Highway One from Kabul to Kandahar and Herat, the main road from Kabul to Gardez and the road from Pol-e Khumri to Kundus are particularly dangerous.
If travelling by road you should only travel in secure transport with close protection, using reputable local drivers and guides. In many areas you should consider the use of registered armoured vehicles. Unregistered armoured vehicles are occasionally impounded by Afghan authorities and occupants left on the side of the road. Most road surfaces are in a very poor condition. The overall standard of driving is poor and most local drivers are uninsured. Accidents may lead to a confrontation and threatening behaviour.
For further information see driving abroad.
Non-Government Organisations (NGOs)
The Afghanistan NGO Safety Offices (ANSO) issues regular security updates.
In Kabul
•We advise against all travel to the Sorobi, Paghman, Musayhi, Khak-e Jabbar and Chahar Asyab Districts of Kabul province.
•We advise against all but essential travel to Kabul City itself and the remaining districts in the province.
There are regular, indiscriminate rocket and bomb attacks in the city and targeted attacks against NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) patrols and establishments and the Afghan armed forces. Reports continue to indicate that further attacks are likely, possibly by suicide bombers, against Western targets in central Kabul, along the Jalalabad Road, the Airport Road and the Wardak road and in the vicinity of Kabul airport. Hotels and other guest-houses where foreigners might stay will continue to be likely targets. There are specific threats against the major Ministry and Government buildings. There have been attacks against Kabul International Airport and further attacks cannot be ruled out.
You should exercise extreme caution if you intend to use the Jalalabad and Airport roads and you should avoid travelling at night and between the hours of 7am and 9am if at all possible.
Recent significant attacks include:
•On October 28, 2009, suicide bombers attacked a UN guesthouse in Kabul, killing a number of people, including five UN workers.
•Also on October 28, 2009, insurgents fired a number of rockets into Kabul city, with reports of impacts within the Serena Hotel compound and within the grounds of the Presidential Palace. No casualties were reported.
•On 08 October 2009, the Indian Embassy (in the vicinity of the Ministry of Interior in the Shar-e-Naw district of Kabul City) was attacked by a vehicle borne suicide bomb. The attack killed approximately 17 people and wounded over 80. The bulk of those killed and wounded were street cleaners and Afghan civilians.
•On 17 September 2009, an Italian ISAF vehicle convoy was the target of a suicide vehicle bomb attack on the main airport road in Kabul City. As a result, six ISAF (Italian) soldiers were killed along with twelve civilians. Three Italian soldiers and approximately 30 civilians were also wounded.
•On 08 September 2009, a black Toyota Surf loaded with explosives followed two land cruisers in convoy into the check point at the Military Base at Kabul International Airport and detonated his device. The attack resulted in eight ISAF soldiers and five ISAF civilians wounded, four local nationals killed and a further 14 wounded.
•On 06 September 2009, two rockets were reportedly fired from northern Kabul into the City. One of the rockets struck a private residence resulting in the death of three family members. The second rocket impacted in an open area causing no casualties.
•On 18 August 2009, a suicide vehicle struck an ISAF vehicle convoy consisting of two armoured Land Cruisers. As a result, one ISAF soldier, two UN staff members and seven local nationals were killed along with two ISAF soldiers and approximately 30 local nationals wounded.
•On 15 August 2009, a suicide vehicle bomb exploded at the entrance to HQ ISAF. The target was two civilian profile B6 armoured Toyota Land cruisers exiting the ISAF compound.
•On 14 August 2009, one rocket impacted in the Qala-i-Khayat area of Police District 10, hitting a wall inside a private resident’s compound. No casualties were reported.
•On 04 August 2009, AGE fired eight rockets into the City from the Babashir Hill area to the north. One rocket impacted behind the hospital on the Wazir Akbar Khan road. One local child is reported to have been injured.
•On 24 July 2009, AGE fired three rockets from an unknown location, which impacted in Police District 15, near the Airport. No casualties were reported.
•On 20 May 2009 an IED detonated against a US military convoy travelling between Kabul and Bagram Airbase, around 20km north of the capital. One US soldier and one US contractor were killed and a further three US personnel were wounded in the blast.
•On 11 February 2009, Insurgents made co-ordinated attacks on a number of Afghan Government targets in Kabul city, including the Prisons Directorate, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Education. More than 40 Afghan national were killed or injured in the attacks.
•On 17 January 2009 an explosive device was detonated near to the German Embassy in Kabul. At least 19 Afghan nationals were injured.
•On 3 November 2008 at 09:30hrs a male French NGO worker was abducted by armed men in Kabul. The armed men furthermore tried to abduct his colleague, also French, who managed to escape. Both worked for an NGO called AFRANE.
•On 7 July 2008, 28 people were killed and more than 141 others injured in a suicide lorry bomb explosion at the Indian embassy in the Shar-e-Naw district of Kabul. The dead included the Indian Embassy Defence Attaché, as well as both Afghan civilian and military.
•On 27 April 2008, terrorists carried out an attack on a parade, attended by Afghan President, Hamid Karzai, commemorating Victory Day killing three people and injuring twelve others.
•On 14 January 2008, terrorists carried out an attack at the Serena Hotel. At least six people were killed and many more wounded. Foreign nationals were amongst the dead and the wounded.
Outside Kabul
For any trip to Afghanistan you should carefully consider not only your final destination, but your entry and exit points and any Provinces you might be travelling through. You should carefully consider how each leg of your trip affects the safety of your overall journey.
There have been a number of serious attacks on both Western and Afghan Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and on vehicles belonging to them, in which a number of people have been killed or injured. Most attacks continue to occur in the East and South of Afghanistan with a recent increase in activity in the central areas, but there have also been sporadic but serious incidents in other regions. A high threat from kidnapping to employees of NGOs and foreign companies throughout Afghanistan remains.
Northern Afghanistan
Provinces covered in this section are - Badakshan, Baghlan, Balkh, Faryab, Jawzjan, Kunduz, Samangan, Sari Pul and Takhar.
•We advise against all but essential travel to Badakshan, Balkh, Baghlan, Faryab, Jawzjan, Samagan, Sari Pul and Takhar. However, there have been few incidents in the inaccessible and more permissive Wakhan District of Badakhshan.
•We advise against all travel to Kunduz and Baghram-e Jidad District of Baghlan.
There have been a number of attacks against aid workers and military vehicles resulting in fatalities and injuries. Recent significant events have included the following:
•On 10 October 2009, in Kunduz City, Kunduz Province an IED exploded near the ANP HQ, one ANP officer was killed.
•On 19 September 2009, a suicide bomber in a car targeted an ISAF convoy in Pul-i-Khumri area of Baghlan province. The bomber was killed with only minor damage to the ISAF vehicle.
•On 09 September 2009, in Chahar Dara District, Kunduz province, ISAF forces raided three residence compounds and managed to free a journalist who had been kidnapped with his interpreter. The interpreter and a female resident were killed during the operation.
•On 05 September 2009, a suicide vehicle struck a German ISAF vehicle on the main Kunduz – Khanabad road. Four German ISAF troops were injured.
•Also on 05 September 2009, 15 km east of Kunduz City, a Toyota Corolla loaded with explosives and parked on the roadside was detonated by remote control as a German ISAF convoy was passing. Four Soldiers were injured and their vehicle was damaged.
•On 03 September 2009 in Dashti Archi district, Kunduz province, a German ISAF patrol was attacked by anti-government elements (AGE) with small arms fire (SAF) and rocket propelled grenades (RPG). As a result two ISAF German soldiers were wounded and three vehicles damaged.
•On 20 August 2009, a number of rocket attacks (IDF), small arms fire (SAF) and RPG attacks were reportedly carried out by AGE with the intention of disrupting the election process.
•On 19 August 2009, AGE fired one rocket into Ghormach District centre, Faryab province, which impacted in an ANP compound. Six ANP officers were killed and the District Chief of Police (CoP) was injured.
•On 12 August 2009, AGE attacked the Kunduz Provincial CoP with SAF and RPGs as he was travelling in a vehicle convoy. As a result, six ANP officers were killed and a further five injured. Three ANP ranger vehicles were also destroyed.
•On 01 August 2009, an remote controlled IED detonated targeting the National Directorate of Security Chief for Baghlan province. As a result, the NDS chief and two ANP officers were killed and one injured.
•On 06 July 2009 in Kunduz, an ISAF patrol was struck by an IED that had been placed under a culvert. Four ISAF police mentors (US) were killed in the attack.
•On 29 June 2009 in Baghlan, a group of 30 – 50 AGE attacked a joint ANP and NDS patrol with SAF and RPGs. Five ANP officers were killed and a further six ANP, including the district Chief of Police, were wounded.
•On 06 May 2009 in Baghlan, two gunmen on a motorbike ambushed a vehicle carrying the District Governor, NDS Chief, district attorney and the son of the governor. All four occupants were killed in the attack.
•On 29 April 2009, AGE attacked an ISAF patrol in Kunduz with small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades. Two vehicles were destroyed and one German soldier was killed in the attack.
•Also on 29 April 2009, a suicide bomber detonated his explosives packed vehicle against a passing ISAF convoy in Kunduz province. Five German soldiers and four local national bystanders were wounded in the blast.
•On 6 November 2007, a suicide bomber detonated himself during an opening ceremony at a sugar mill in Baghlan. Over 50 people were killed, including six politicians and a large number of children.
Eastern Afghanistan
Provinces covered in this section are Bamiyan, Ghazni, Kapisa, Khost, Kunar, Laghman, Logar, Nangarhar, Nuristan, Paktika, Panjshir, Parwan, Paktya and Wardak.
•We advise against all travel to Ghazni, Kapisam Khost, Kunar, Laghman, Logar, Nangarhar, Nuristan, Paktika, Wardak and Paktya.
•We advise against all but essential travel to Bamiyan and Parwan. Bamiyan town is considered benign.
The eastern region has become extremely volatile in recent months, with almost daily suicide and roadside bomb attacks, shootings and rocket attacks. The region close to the Pakistani border is extremely dangerous with a high number of insurgents operating freely.
There are regular, large military operations in this region. There have numerous daily attacks against the Security Forces (ANSF) and US-led coalition forces throughout East of Afghanistan. There are also daily incidents of Improvised Explosive Device (IED), suicide and rocket attacks and direct fire attacks on security forces patrols, checkpoints and bases as well as on the local population.
Recent significant incidents have included the following:
•On 24 September 2009, an ISAF vehicle patrol in Mano Gai District, Kunar Province, was struck by an IED followed by SAF, RPGs and then a second IED strike. As a result, four ISAF (US) soldiers were wounded.
•On 11 August 2009, an ISAF patrol in Alingar District, Laghman province, struck an IED. As a result, three ISAF (US) soldiers were killed.
•On 21 July 2009, AGE conducted a co-ordinated series of complex attacks in Gardez City, Paktia province, using small arms fire, RPGs and suicide vests. Three NDS and two ANP officers were killed and three ANP officers, three NDS officers and one civilian were wounded.
•On 25 July 2009, AGE conducted a co-ordinated series of complex attacks in Khost City, Khost province, against the Provincial court, the District Attorney’s office, a government guesthouse and an ANSF military barracks in Khost City. The insurgents used a car packed with explosives at the main gate and then a further three suicide bombers entered the government building while several insurgents fired shots from a building outside.
•On 30 June 2009, a suicide bomber in the Torkham border crossing point in Nangahar province detonated himself near a female search bay. The bomber had been taken into the search bay while attempting to enter the country from Pakistan. One ABP female searcher was killed and at least 10 others - four ABP and six local nationals - were wounded in the blast.
•On 27 May 2009, a suicide bomber in Zabul detonated his explosive packed vehicle against a passing OEF patrol. Four OEF soldiers (US) were wounded and four local nationals were killed in the blast.
•On 12 May 2009, a number of AGE launched simultaneous attacks on the Governor’s compound and the provincial ANP HQ in Khost City. At least one suicide bomber attempted to breach the Governor’s compound, before detonating his explosive vest and further attacks with small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades followed. A further three suicide bombers were killed and a vehicle packed with explosives was seized. Security forces surrounded the building and the siege eventually ended with at least six security forces and local national fatalities, and ten wounded persons, including the deputy governor.
Southern Afghanistan
Provinces covered in this section are Helmand, Kandahar, Nimroz, Uruzgan, and Zabul.
•We advise against all travel to Helmand, Kandahar, Nimroz, Uruzgan and Zabul.
Southern Afghanistan is unpredictable and extremely volatile. There are regular military operations throughout the region and there has been a significant increase in the number of incidents ranging from shootings and roadside bombs to suicide bombings that have been targeted against both civilians and the military. Suicide and roadside bomb attacks in Helmand, Kandahar and Nimroz continue.
There has also been a series of attacks on the Kabul-Kandahar-Herat road in Zabul, Kandahar, Helmand, Nimroz (and Farah) provinces and in Uruzgan province. Nimoz has seen an increasing number of suicide attacks in recent months including an attack on 3 January 2008, which killed seven.
Recent significant incidents include:
•On 22 October 2009, in the Nahr-e Serraj Districtof Helmand Province, an ISAF mentored ANA patrol was struck by an IED, which resulted in one (UK) ISAF killed and two (UK) ISAF wounded.
•On 16 October 2009, in Arghandab District, Kandahar Province an IED strike followed by SAF on an ISAF PMT vehicle patrol, resulted in one (US) ISAF soldier killed and nine (US) ISAF wounded.
This list in the southern region could go on with very many further examples:
•During the summer months of 2009, ISAF troops have been involved in a substantial war fighting role against the Taliban in Southern Afghanistan, predominantly Helmand and Kandahar, although activity levels in Zabul, Nimroz and Uruzgan remain high. In Helmand, activity levels remain highest in Musa Qala, Sangin, Gereshk, Garmsir and areas of Nad-e Ali and Babaji to the west and north west of Lashkar Gah, the Provincial capital. ISAF troops have suffered a number of casualties as a result of conventional war fighting, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) strikes. From April 2009 through to the end of September, UK troops alone have suffered 69 killed in action.
Western Afghanistan
Provinces covered in this section are Badghis, Dai Kundi, Farah, Ghor and Herat.
•We advise against all travel to Badghis, Farah and the Shindand and Gozarah Districts of Herat province.
•We advise against all but essential travel to Dai Kundi, Ghor and Herat.
The security situation in Western Afghanistan has become worse in recent months; although in recent days large numbers of insurgents have surrendered in Herat Province. There have been roadside and suicide attacks, rocket attacks and criminal kidnapping throughout these provinces and increased lawlessness in Western Ghor. There is little security infrastructure in Dai Kundi and Westerners have been kidnapped there.
Recent significant events have included the following:
•On 16 October 09, in the Bala Boluk District of Farah Province, an IED strike on an ANP vehicle patrol, wounded three policemen.
•On 27 September 2009 the Minister for water and Energy for Herat was the target of a suicide vehicle bomb. As a result, four local civilians were killed and a further 15 wounded. The Government official escaped unhurt.
•On 10 August 2009, seven rockets were fired at the airport in Heart.
•On 31 July 2009, an Afghan National Army vehicle struck a roadside bomb in Farah. As a result, five ANA soldiers were killed and a further five injured.
•On 14 July 2009, an Italian ISAF vehicle struck a roadside bomb in Farah. Four Italian soldiers were injured.
•On 14 July 2009, an Italian ISAF vehicle struck a roadside bomb in Farah. One Italian soldier killed and a further three wounded.
•On 02 July 2009, an Italian ISAF patrol vehicle was struck by suicide vehicle in Herat. Two ISAF soldiers (Italian) suffered minor injuries in the blast.
Crime
Crime is a serious countrywide concern, particularly in rural areas. Foreigners have been the victims of violent attacks, including armed robbery and rape. You should not display any obvious signs of affluence, or carry large sums of money. You should not travel alone, especially on foot. You should ensure someone knows where you are at all times and have at least one means of communication, ideally with back up. You should exercise caution, particularly after dark.
For more general information see victims of crime abroad.
Political Situation
Country Profile: Afghanistan
Air Travel
In May 2009, Safi Airways and in September 2009 Kam Air fulfilled the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and were officially certified to fly within EU airspace.
Ariana Airlines has been refused permission to operate services to the EU because it does not meet international safety standards. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) employees are not allowed to travel on this airline in or out of Afghanistan.
Some other airlines that operate in and out of Afghanistan may not meet international safety standards.
In February 2005, a Kam Air Boeing 727-200 flying from Herat to Kabul crashed in snowstorms 17 miles out of Kabul. All 96 passengers and eight crew on board were killed in the incident.
Local laws and customs
Local laws reflect the fact that Afghanistan is a Muslim country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. For more general information see travelling during Ramadan.
Homosexuality is illegal in Afghanistan. You may not seek to convert Muslims to other faiths. The importation and use of narcotics, alcohol and pork products are forbidden.
Photography of government buildings, military installations and palaces is not allowed. You should avoid photographing local people without their agreement.
For more general information for different types of travellers see your trip.
Entry requirements
Visas
British nationals intending to visit Afghanistan must obtain a visa before travelling. For further information on visas contact the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in London. Visas are not issued on arrival in country. Afghan Embassy in London website.
Travelling with children
Women travelling alone with children should be aware that documentary evidence of parental responsibility may be required in order to enter Afghanistan or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. We do not currently allow our officers based in Afghanistan to be accompanied by their partners or children. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
in London.
Health
Only very limited medical facilities are available in Afghanistan. You should ensure that you have all the prescription medication you require during your visit, as supplies are unlikely to be available locally.
Diarrhoeal diseases and other gastrointestinal infections are common causes of ill health, becoming worse in the hotter months. The dry dusty conditions in both summer and winter can cause irritation to eyes, throat, nose and skin. Respiratory tuberculosis is common in the Afghan population.
Malaria is a potential hazard except in the high mountainous regions of the country and in winter.
You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Afghanistan and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see travel health.
Avian Influenza
Since March 13, 2007 the World Organisation for Animal Health confirmed reports of 11 outbreaks of HN51 Avian Influenza (bird flu) across three provinces of Afghanistan (Nangahar, Kabul, and Kunar). The authorities are taking measures to control the disease, including restricting livestock movement in affected areas. No human infections have been reported.
The risk from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low, provided you avoid live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds. You should also ensure that poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.
You should read this advice in conjunction with Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.
For more information on Avian Flu and other diseases please follow see the World Health Organisation and the World Organisation for Animal Health.
Natural disasters
Afghanistan is in an active earthquake zone. More information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs you should follow the advice of local authorities. You should know the address and telephone number of the British Embassy in Kabul in the event of an emergency; this number can be found in our contacts section.
General
Insurance
We recommend that comprehensive travel and medical insurance be obtained before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. In the event of a serious accident or illness an evacuation by air ambulance may be required. It is therefore essential that you take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. For more general information see our travel insurance page.
If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is how we can help.
Money
You should ensure that you carry sufficient cash, in US Dollars, for your visit because credit cards are not accepted. There are a number of ATMs in Kabul that dispense dollars as well as the local currency, Afghanis. Banks are closed on Fridays, but there are ATMs at the Intercontinental Hotel, Supreme supermarket and various locations in Wazir Akhbar Khan and some other locations. ATMs are located at military camps, however unless you have an ISAF pass, you will not be able to gain access. Travellers' cheques are not widely accepted and where they are, it can take up to two weeks for them to clear.
Registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.
Find out more about LOCATE.
Consular Assistance
You should register with the British Embassy in Kabul (britishembassy.kabul@fco.gov.uk). You should be aware that the British Embassy in Kabul is able to provide only limited consular assistance.
The Embassy in Kabul does not issue passports, though in an emergency, a single page/single journey travel document can be provided. You should make sure you have plenty of spare pages in your passport, as it will fill up with visas and entry stamps very quickly. Replacement passports can be issued either by the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) in the UK, or the British High Commission in Islamabad. The application process will take at least four to five weeks.
The Embassy in Kabul does not issue visas. Visa applications should be made through our missions in Dubai, New Delhi or through Gerry's/Fedex bureaux in Pakistan. Before applying please contact the Embassy in Kabul for information on restrictions affecting visa applications made in these countries.
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/asia-oceania/afghanistan/
Asia and Oceania
Afghanistan
Still current at: 01 November 2009
Updated: 29 October 2009
This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary and Kabul sections (attack on UN guesthouse in Kabul; rockets fired into Kabul City). The over all level of the advice has not changed.
Travel Summary
•On October 28, 2009, suicide bombers attacked a UN guesthouse in Kabul, killing a number of people, including five UN workers.
•Also on October 28, 2009, insurgents fired a number of rockets into Kabul City, with reports of impacts within the Serena Hotel compound and within the grounds of the Presidential Palace. No casualties were reported.
•Kabul City itself, was relatively quiet with no major incidents until mid August 2009. Since then, there has been a spike in vehicle borne suicide bomb attacks in Kabul City, with five attacks occurring. Four of these attacks have been directed against ISAF (International Security Assistance Force- i.e. the foreign military) including an attack on the main ISAF Headquarters near Shash Darak, and against an Italian ISAF convoy on the Airport Road. The most recent attack, however, occurred against the Indian Embassy (in the vicinity of the Ministry of Interior in the Shar-e-Naw district of Kabul City) in the morning of 08 October 2009. This attack is estimated to have killed approximately 17 people and wounded over 80. The majority of those killed and wounded were street cleaners and Afghan civilians. The threat remains high and further attacks are possible.
•Preparations are being made for the second round of national elections, due on 07 November 2009. Insurgent activity may increase in this period.
•Additional vigilance and care should be taken, particularly in and around landmark locations and places where large public crowds can gather. Hotels used by the Government of Afghanistan, western nationals, international Embassies and Ministries and military establishments have been attacked in the past and there is always the possibility of further attacks.
•Afghanistan has a high threat of terrorism. Specific methods of attack are evolving and increasingly sophisticated.
•No part of Afghanistan should be considered immune from violence and the potential exists throughout the country for hostile acts. Visitors travelling to Afghanistan do so at their own risk and without protection from HMG.
•You should maintain a heightened level of vigilance at all time; observing the strictest of security measures and avoid any unnecessary travel. Travellers should also consider making their own security arrangements for the duration of their time in Afghanistan.
•The kidnap threat throughout the country remains high, particularly against local nationals, but also against the international community. The threat of kidnap against the international community in Kabul City has risen recently. Increased vigilance is paramount as well as avoiding pattern-setting in terms of timings, routes and routines.
•We advise against all but essential travel to Kabul and the surrounding urban area, because of ongoing terrorist activity and the high risk of kidnap, violent crime and suicide attacks. The main supply routes and principle roads have a particularly heightened threat of roadside bombs and ambush.
•In the lead up to the election on 20 August, despite extensive election security plans, attacks and intimidation of candidates, campaigners and the election process itself increased. Attacks on high-profile targets such as Government institutions were attempted. British nationals are advised to stay away from the whole electoral election process. Depending upon the popular reaction to results and the perceived perception of the fairness of the elections and their results, there may be demonstrations, which could turn violent. British nationals are advised to stay away from crowds and public places during and after the election period. British nationals are advised to register with the British Embassy (using LOCATE) on arrival in Afghanistan.
•We advise the following travel restrictions according to provincial region:
Kabul:
•We advise against all travel to the Sorobi, Paghman, Musayhi and Chahar Asyab Districts of the Kabul province.
•We advise against all but essential travel to Kabul.
Northern Afghanistan:
•We advise against all but essential travel to Badakshan, Balkh, Baghlan, Faryab, Jawzjan, Samangan, Sari Pul and Takhar. The Wakhan District of Badakhshan is more permissive.
•We advise against all travel to Kunduz and Baghlan-e Jadid District of Baghlan.
Eastern Afghanistan:
•We advise against all travel to Ghazni, Kapisa Khost, Kunar, Laghman, Logar, Nangarhar, Nuristan, Paktika, Wardak and Paktya.
•We advise against all but essential travel to Bamiyan, Parwan and Panjshir. Bamiyan town is considered benign.
Southern Afghanistan:
•We advise against all travel to Helmand, Kandahar, Nimroz, Uruzgan and Zabul.
Western Afghanistan:
•We advise against all travel to Badghis, Farah and the Shindand and Gozarah Districts of Herat province.
•We advise against all but essential travel to Dai Kundi, Ghor and Herat.
•The British Embassy in Kabul is able to offer only limited consular assistance and does not issue visas. Information of specific and urgent threats is circulated via the Warden network within Afghanistan. It is therefore important that you register with the British Embassy in Kabul on arrival. See the Contact Details section of this advice page for more details.
•19 British nationals required consular assistance in Afghanistan in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident: deaths (10 cases); hospitalisations (1 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (6 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (17 cases).
•We recommend that comprehensive travel and medical insurance is obtained before travelling. You should check any exclusion, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and travel insurance for more details.
Safety and security
Terrorism/Security
You should be aware of the continuing high threat from terrorism within Afghanistan. Threats, specific or otherwise, are reported on a daily basis. Terrorist and insurgents conduct frequent and widespread lethal attacks against British and Coalition armed forces, political and civilian targets.
We continue to receive reports which indicate specific terrorist threats against visibly British and Western institutions, organisations and individuals. Threats also apply to those involved in work with the United Nations as well as those working in the humanitarian and reconstruction fields. Attacks throughout Afghanistan have included bombs (roadside and other), suicide bombs (either bodyborne or by vehicle), indirect fire (rockets and mortars), direct fire attacks (shootings and rocket propelled grenades), kidnappings and violent crime.
You should also remain aware of the risks posed by the large amounts of unexploded ordnance and land mines (both anti-tank and anti-personnel) throughout the country.
You should also be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets including places frequented by foreigners. For more general information see the “Terrorism Abroad” page of the FCO website. Additional vigilance and care should be taken, particularly in and around landmark locations and places where large public crowds can gather. Hotels used by the Government of Afghanistan and western nationals and Ministries and military establishments have been attacked in the past and there is always the possibility that there may be further such attacks.
You should also be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets including places frequented by foreigners. For more general information see terrorism abroad.
Additional vigilance and care should be taken, particularly in and around landmark locations and places where large public crowds can gather. Hotels used by the Government of Afghanistan and western nationals and Ministries and military establishments have been attacked in the past and there is always the possibility that there may be further such attacks.
Kidnap
On 26 July 2007, one Taliban commander is reported to have urged Taliban fighters to continue the tactic of kidnapping foreign nationals. This was repeated in September 2009. You should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage-takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.
Since 2007 a number of international people have been kidnapped, both by terrorists and criminals. The most recent British victims were Sean Langan who was kidnapped in May 2008 near the Pakistan border and subsequently was released in Pakistan and Steve Farrell who was kidnapped in September 2009 in Kunduz and was rescued after being held captive for a few days.
For more general information see victims of crime abroad.
Local Travel
If you remain in Afghanistan, particularly outside Kabul, you should continue to reassess your situation. You should exercise the utmost care and vary your routines. You should always ensure car doors are locked and windows closed, and if possible maintain radio, or telephone, communications to report your movements. We advise you to avoid any protests, demonstrations and large gatherings. Visitors/workers are advised not to set regular patterns of movement whilst travelling in the city and to ensure they take professional security advice whilst in country.
You should avoid regular visits to public places frequented by foreigners, including hotels, restaurants, shops and market places, especially at times of day when they are particularly busy and congested. The British Embassy does not currently allow official visitors to stay in most hotels overnight, and has placed less well protected restaurants off limits to staff. We recommend that you consult the warden network via the British Embassy for further information on the security of venues across Kabul and elsewhere before undertaking any travel.
If, despite this advice, you travel outside Kabul, you should only do so with reputable local guides and only to fully protected workplaces. You should consider permanent armed protection and use registered armoured vehicles. You should be aware that even these precautions cannot guarantee your safety. The threat from kidnapping, suicide bombs, roadside bombs, indirect fire and ambush throughout Afghanistan remains.
Road Travel
Road travel remains highly dangerous. Deployments of false vehicle checkpoints from which violent attacks have been mounted are methods insurgents have used in the past. In addition to the threat from terrorism/ kidnapping, there is also a continuing criminal threat from car jacking and robbery. Highway One from Kabul to Kandahar and Herat, the main road from Kabul to Gardez and the road from Pol-e Khumri to Kundus are particularly dangerous.
If travelling by road you should only travel in secure transport with close protection, using reputable local drivers and guides. In many areas you should consider the use of registered armoured vehicles. Unregistered armoured vehicles are occasionally impounded by Afghan authorities and occupants left on the side of the road. Most road surfaces are in a very poor condition. The overall standard of driving is poor and most local drivers are uninsured. Accidents may lead to a confrontation and threatening behaviour.
For further information see driving abroad.
Non-Government Organisations (NGOs)
The Afghanistan NGO Safety Offices (ANSO) issues regular security updates.
In Kabul
•We advise against all travel to the Sorobi, Paghman, Musayhi, Khak-e Jabbar and Chahar Asyab Districts of Kabul province.
•We advise against all but essential travel to Kabul City itself and the remaining districts in the province.
There are regular, indiscriminate rocket and bomb attacks in the city and targeted attacks against NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) patrols and establishments and the Afghan armed forces. Reports continue to indicate that further attacks are likely, possibly by suicide bombers, against Western targets in central Kabul, along the Jalalabad Road, the Airport Road and the Wardak road and in the vicinity of Kabul airport. Hotels and other guest-houses where foreigners might stay will continue to be likely targets. There are specific threats against the major Ministry and Government buildings. There have been attacks against Kabul International Airport and further attacks cannot be ruled out.
You should exercise extreme caution if you intend to use the Jalalabad and Airport roads and you should avoid travelling at night and between the hours of 7am and 9am if at all possible.
Recent significant attacks include:
•On October 28, 2009, suicide bombers attacked a UN guesthouse in Kabul, killing a number of people, including five UN workers.
•Also on October 28, 2009, insurgents fired a number of rockets into Kabul city, with reports of impacts within the Serena Hotel compound and within the grounds of the Presidential Palace. No casualties were reported.
•On 08 October 2009, the Indian Embassy (in the vicinity of the Ministry of Interior in the Shar-e-Naw district of Kabul City) was attacked by a vehicle borne suicide bomb. The attack killed approximately 17 people and wounded over 80. The bulk of those killed and wounded were street cleaners and Afghan civilians.
•On 17 September 2009, an Italian ISAF vehicle convoy was the target of a suicide vehicle bomb attack on the main airport road in Kabul City. As a result, six ISAF (Italian) soldiers were killed along with twelve civilians. Three Italian soldiers and approximately 30 civilians were also wounded.
•On 08 September 2009, a black Toyota Surf loaded with explosives followed two land cruisers in convoy into the check point at the Military Base at Kabul International Airport and detonated his device. The attack resulted in eight ISAF soldiers and five ISAF civilians wounded, four local nationals killed and a further 14 wounded.
•On 06 September 2009, two rockets were reportedly fired from northern Kabul into the City. One of the rockets struck a private residence resulting in the death of three family members. The second rocket impacted in an open area causing no casualties.
•On 18 August 2009, a suicide vehicle struck an ISAF vehicle convoy consisting of two armoured Land Cruisers. As a result, one ISAF soldier, two UN staff members and seven local nationals were killed along with two ISAF soldiers and approximately 30 local nationals wounded.
•On 15 August 2009, a suicide vehicle bomb exploded at the entrance to HQ ISAF. The target was two civilian profile B6 armoured Toyota Land cruisers exiting the ISAF compound.
•On 14 August 2009, one rocket impacted in the Qala-i-Khayat area of Police District 10, hitting a wall inside a private resident’s compound. No casualties were reported.
•On 04 August 2009, AGE fired eight rockets into the City from the Babashir Hill area to the north. One rocket impacted behind the hospital on the Wazir Akbar Khan road. One local child is reported to have been injured.
•On 24 July 2009, AGE fired three rockets from an unknown location, which impacted in Police District 15, near the Airport. No casualties were reported.
•On 20 May 2009 an IED detonated against a US military convoy travelling between Kabul and Bagram Airbase, around 20km north of the capital. One US soldier and one US contractor were killed and a further three US personnel were wounded in the blast.
•On 11 February 2009, Insurgents made co-ordinated attacks on a number of Afghan Government targets in Kabul city, including the Prisons Directorate, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Education. More than 40 Afghan national were killed or injured in the attacks.
•On 17 January 2009 an explosive device was detonated near to the German Embassy in Kabul. At least 19 Afghan nationals were injured.
•On 3 November 2008 at 09:30hrs a male French NGO worker was abducted by armed men in Kabul. The armed men furthermore tried to abduct his colleague, also French, who managed to escape. Both worked for an NGO called AFRANE.
•On 7 July 2008, 28 people were killed and more than 141 others injured in a suicide lorry bomb explosion at the Indian embassy in the Shar-e-Naw district of Kabul. The dead included the Indian Embassy Defence Attaché, as well as both Afghan civilian and military.
•On 27 April 2008, terrorists carried out an attack on a parade, attended by Afghan President, Hamid Karzai, commemorating Victory Day killing three people and injuring twelve others.
•On 14 January 2008, terrorists carried out an attack at the Serena Hotel. At least six people were killed and many more wounded. Foreign nationals were amongst the dead and the wounded.
Outside Kabul
For any trip to Afghanistan you should carefully consider not only your final destination, but your entry and exit points and any Provinces you might be travelling through. You should carefully consider how each leg of your trip affects the safety of your overall journey.
There have been a number of serious attacks on both Western and Afghan Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and on vehicles belonging to them, in which a number of people have been killed or injured. Most attacks continue to occur in the East and South of Afghanistan with a recent increase in activity in the central areas, but there have also been sporadic but serious incidents in other regions. A high threat from kidnapping to employees of NGOs and foreign companies throughout Afghanistan remains.
Northern Afghanistan
Provinces covered in this section are - Badakshan, Baghlan, Balkh, Faryab, Jawzjan, Kunduz, Samangan, Sari Pul and Takhar.
•We advise against all but essential travel to Badakshan, Balkh, Baghlan, Faryab, Jawzjan, Samagan, Sari Pul and Takhar. However, there have been few incidents in the inaccessible and more permissive Wakhan District of Badakhshan.
•We advise against all travel to Kunduz and Baghram-e Jidad District of Baghlan.
There have been a number of attacks against aid workers and military vehicles resulting in fatalities and injuries. Recent significant events have included the following:
•On 10 October 2009, in Kunduz City, Kunduz Province an IED exploded near the ANP HQ, one ANP officer was killed.
•On 19 September 2009, a suicide bomber in a car targeted an ISAF convoy in Pul-i-Khumri area of Baghlan province. The bomber was killed with only minor damage to the ISAF vehicle.
•On 09 September 2009, in Chahar Dara District, Kunduz province, ISAF forces raided three residence compounds and managed to free a journalist who had been kidnapped with his interpreter. The interpreter and a female resident were killed during the operation.
•On 05 September 2009, a suicide vehicle struck a German ISAF vehicle on the main Kunduz – Khanabad road. Four German ISAF troops were injured.
•Also on 05 September 2009, 15 km east of Kunduz City, a Toyota Corolla loaded with explosives and parked on the roadside was detonated by remote control as a German ISAF convoy was passing. Four Soldiers were injured and their vehicle was damaged.
•On 03 September 2009 in Dashti Archi district, Kunduz province, a German ISAF patrol was attacked by anti-government elements (AGE) with small arms fire (SAF) and rocket propelled grenades (RPG). As a result two ISAF German soldiers were wounded and three vehicles damaged.
•On 20 August 2009, a number of rocket attacks (IDF), small arms fire (SAF) and RPG attacks were reportedly carried out by AGE with the intention of disrupting the election process.
•On 19 August 2009, AGE fired one rocket into Ghormach District centre, Faryab province, which impacted in an ANP compound. Six ANP officers were killed and the District Chief of Police (CoP) was injured.
•On 12 August 2009, AGE attacked the Kunduz Provincial CoP with SAF and RPGs as he was travelling in a vehicle convoy. As a result, six ANP officers were killed and a further five injured. Three ANP ranger vehicles were also destroyed.
•On 01 August 2009, an remote controlled IED detonated targeting the National Directorate of Security Chief for Baghlan province. As a result, the NDS chief and two ANP officers were killed and one injured.
•On 06 July 2009 in Kunduz, an ISAF patrol was struck by an IED that had been placed under a culvert. Four ISAF police mentors (US) were killed in the attack.
•On 29 June 2009 in Baghlan, a group of 30 – 50 AGE attacked a joint ANP and NDS patrol with SAF and RPGs. Five ANP officers were killed and a further six ANP, including the district Chief of Police, were wounded.
•On 06 May 2009 in Baghlan, two gunmen on a motorbike ambushed a vehicle carrying the District Governor, NDS Chief, district attorney and the son of the governor. All four occupants were killed in the attack.
•On 29 April 2009, AGE attacked an ISAF patrol in Kunduz with small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades. Two vehicles were destroyed and one German soldier was killed in the attack.
•Also on 29 April 2009, a suicide bomber detonated his explosives packed vehicle against a passing ISAF convoy in Kunduz province. Five German soldiers and four local national bystanders were wounded in the blast.
•On 6 November 2007, a suicide bomber detonated himself during an opening ceremony at a sugar mill in Baghlan. Over 50 people were killed, including six politicians and a large number of children.
Eastern Afghanistan
Provinces covered in this section are Bamiyan, Ghazni, Kapisa, Khost, Kunar, Laghman, Logar, Nangarhar, Nuristan, Paktika, Panjshir, Parwan, Paktya and Wardak.
•We advise against all travel to Ghazni, Kapisam Khost, Kunar, Laghman, Logar, Nangarhar, Nuristan, Paktika, Wardak and Paktya.
•We advise against all but essential travel to Bamiyan and Parwan. Bamiyan town is considered benign.
The eastern region has become extremely volatile in recent months, with almost daily suicide and roadside bomb attacks, shootings and rocket attacks. The region close to the Pakistani border is extremely dangerous with a high number of insurgents operating freely.
There are regular, large military operations in this region. There have numerous daily attacks against the Security Forces (ANSF) and US-led coalition forces throughout East of Afghanistan. There are also daily incidents of Improvised Explosive Device (IED), suicide and rocket attacks and direct fire attacks on security forces patrols, checkpoints and bases as well as on the local population.
Recent significant incidents have included the following:
•On 24 September 2009, an ISAF vehicle patrol in Mano Gai District, Kunar Province, was struck by an IED followed by SAF, RPGs and then a second IED strike. As a result, four ISAF (US) soldiers were wounded.
•On 11 August 2009, an ISAF patrol in Alingar District, Laghman province, struck an IED. As a result, three ISAF (US) soldiers were killed.
•On 21 July 2009, AGE conducted a co-ordinated series of complex attacks in Gardez City, Paktia province, using small arms fire, RPGs and suicide vests. Three NDS and two ANP officers were killed and three ANP officers, three NDS officers and one civilian were wounded.
•On 25 July 2009, AGE conducted a co-ordinated series of complex attacks in Khost City, Khost province, against the Provincial court, the District Attorney’s office, a government guesthouse and an ANSF military barracks in Khost City. The insurgents used a car packed with explosives at the main gate and then a further three suicide bombers entered the government building while several insurgents fired shots from a building outside.
•On 30 June 2009, a suicide bomber in the Torkham border crossing point in Nangahar province detonated himself near a female search bay. The bomber had been taken into the search bay while attempting to enter the country from Pakistan. One ABP female searcher was killed and at least 10 others - four ABP and six local nationals - were wounded in the blast.
•On 27 May 2009, a suicide bomber in Zabul detonated his explosive packed vehicle against a passing OEF patrol. Four OEF soldiers (US) were wounded and four local nationals were killed in the blast.
•On 12 May 2009, a number of AGE launched simultaneous attacks on the Governor’s compound and the provincial ANP HQ in Khost City. At least one suicide bomber attempted to breach the Governor’s compound, before detonating his explosive vest and further attacks with small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades followed. A further three suicide bombers were killed and a vehicle packed with explosives was seized. Security forces surrounded the building and the siege eventually ended with at least six security forces and local national fatalities, and ten wounded persons, including the deputy governor.
Southern Afghanistan
Provinces covered in this section are Helmand, Kandahar, Nimroz, Uruzgan, and Zabul.
•We advise against all travel to Helmand, Kandahar, Nimroz, Uruzgan and Zabul.
Southern Afghanistan is unpredictable and extremely volatile. There are regular military operations throughout the region and there has been a significant increase in the number of incidents ranging from shootings and roadside bombs to suicide bombings that have been targeted against both civilians and the military. Suicide and roadside bomb attacks in Helmand, Kandahar and Nimroz continue.
There has also been a series of attacks on the Kabul-Kandahar-Herat road in Zabul, Kandahar, Helmand, Nimroz (and Farah) provinces and in Uruzgan province. Nimoz has seen an increasing number of suicide attacks in recent months including an attack on 3 January 2008, which killed seven.
Recent significant incidents include:
•On 22 October 2009, in the Nahr-e Serraj Districtof Helmand Province, an ISAF mentored ANA patrol was struck by an IED, which resulted in one (UK) ISAF killed and two (UK) ISAF wounded.
•On 16 October 2009, in Arghandab District, Kandahar Province an IED strike followed by SAF on an ISAF PMT vehicle patrol, resulted in one (US) ISAF soldier killed and nine (US) ISAF wounded.
This list in the southern region could go on with very many further examples:
•During the summer months of 2009, ISAF troops have been involved in a substantial war fighting role against the Taliban in Southern Afghanistan, predominantly Helmand and Kandahar, although activity levels in Zabul, Nimroz and Uruzgan remain high. In Helmand, activity levels remain highest in Musa Qala, Sangin, Gereshk, Garmsir and areas of Nad-e Ali and Babaji to the west and north west of Lashkar Gah, the Provincial capital. ISAF troops have suffered a number of casualties as a result of conventional war fighting, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) strikes. From April 2009 through to the end of September, UK troops alone have suffered 69 killed in action.
Western Afghanistan
Provinces covered in this section are Badghis, Dai Kundi, Farah, Ghor and Herat.
•We advise against all travel to Badghis, Farah and the Shindand and Gozarah Districts of Herat province.
•We advise against all but essential travel to Dai Kundi, Ghor and Herat.
The security situation in Western Afghanistan has become worse in recent months; although in recent days large numbers of insurgents have surrendered in Herat Province. There have been roadside and suicide attacks, rocket attacks and criminal kidnapping throughout these provinces and increased lawlessness in Western Ghor. There is little security infrastructure in Dai Kundi and Westerners have been kidnapped there.
Recent significant events have included the following:
•On 16 October 09, in the Bala Boluk District of Farah Province, an IED strike on an ANP vehicle patrol, wounded three policemen.
•On 27 September 2009 the Minister for water and Energy for Herat was the target of a suicide vehicle bomb. As a result, four local civilians were killed and a further 15 wounded. The Government official escaped unhurt.
•On 10 August 2009, seven rockets were fired at the airport in Heart.
•On 31 July 2009, an Afghan National Army vehicle struck a roadside bomb in Farah. As a result, five ANA soldiers were killed and a further five injured.
•On 14 July 2009, an Italian ISAF vehicle struck a roadside bomb in Farah. Four Italian soldiers were injured.
•On 14 July 2009, an Italian ISAF vehicle struck a roadside bomb in Farah. One Italian soldier killed and a further three wounded.
•On 02 July 2009, an Italian ISAF patrol vehicle was struck by suicide vehicle in Herat. Two ISAF soldiers (Italian) suffered minor injuries in the blast.
Crime
Crime is a serious countrywide concern, particularly in rural areas. Foreigners have been the victims of violent attacks, including armed robbery and rape. You should not display any obvious signs of affluence, or carry large sums of money. You should not travel alone, especially on foot. You should ensure someone knows where you are at all times and have at least one means of communication, ideally with back up. You should exercise caution, particularly after dark.
For more general information see victims of crime abroad.
Political Situation
Country Profile: Afghanistan
Air Travel
In May 2009, Safi Airways and in September 2009 Kam Air fulfilled the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and were officially certified to fly within EU airspace.
Ariana Airlines has been refused permission to operate services to the EU because it does not meet international safety standards. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) employees are not allowed to travel on this airline in or out of Afghanistan.
Some other airlines that operate in and out of Afghanistan may not meet international safety standards.
In February 2005, a Kam Air Boeing 727-200 flying from Herat to Kabul crashed in snowstorms 17 miles out of Kabul. All 96 passengers and eight crew on board were killed in the incident.
Local laws and customs
Local laws reflect the fact that Afghanistan is a Muslim country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. For more general information see travelling during Ramadan.
Homosexuality is illegal in Afghanistan. You may not seek to convert Muslims to other faiths. The importation and use of narcotics, alcohol and pork products are forbidden.
Photography of government buildings, military installations and palaces is not allowed. You should avoid photographing local people without their agreement.
For more general information for different types of travellers see your trip.
Entry requirements
Visas
British nationals intending to visit Afghanistan must obtain a visa before travelling. For further information on visas contact the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in London. Visas are not issued on arrival in country. Afghan Embassy in London website.
Travelling with children
Women travelling alone with children should be aware that documentary evidence of parental responsibility may be required in order to enter Afghanistan or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. We do not currently allow our officers based in Afghanistan to be accompanied by their partners or children. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
in London.
Health
Only very limited medical facilities are available in Afghanistan. You should ensure that you have all the prescription medication you require during your visit, as supplies are unlikely to be available locally.
Diarrhoeal diseases and other gastrointestinal infections are common causes of ill health, becoming worse in the hotter months. The dry dusty conditions in both summer and winter can cause irritation to eyes, throat, nose and skin. Respiratory tuberculosis is common in the Afghan population.
Malaria is a potential hazard except in the high mountainous regions of the country and in winter.
You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Afghanistan and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see travel health.
Avian Influenza
Since March 13, 2007 the World Organisation for Animal Health confirmed reports of 11 outbreaks of HN51 Avian Influenza (bird flu) across three provinces of Afghanistan (Nangahar, Kabul, and Kunar). The authorities are taking measures to control the disease, including restricting livestock movement in affected areas. No human infections have been reported.
The risk from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low, provided you avoid live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds. You should also ensure that poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.
You should read this advice in conjunction with Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.
For more information on Avian Flu and other diseases please follow see the World Health Organisation and the World Organisation for Animal Health.
Natural disasters
Afghanistan is in an active earthquake zone. More information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs you should follow the advice of local authorities. You should know the address and telephone number of the British Embassy in Kabul in the event of an emergency; this number can be found in our contacts section.
General
Insurance
We recommend that comprehensive travel and medical insurance be obtained before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. In the event of a serious accident or illness an evacuation by air ambulance may be required. It is therefore essential that you take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. For more general information see our travel insurance page.
If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is how we can help.
Money
You should ensure that you carry sufficient cash, in US Dollars, for your visit because credit cards are not accepted. There are a number of ATMs in Kabul that dispense dollars as well as the local currency, Afghanis. Banks are closed on Fridays, but there are ATMs at the Intercontinental Hotel, Supreme supermarket and various locations in Wazir Akhbar Khan and some other locations. ATMs are located at military camps, however unless you have an ISAF pass, you will not be able to gain access. Travellers' cheques are not widely accepted and where they are, it can take up to two weeks for them to clear.
Registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.
Find out more about LOCATE.
Consular Assistance
You should register with the British Embassy in Kabul (britishembassy.kabul@fco.gov.uk). You should be aware that the British Embassy in Kabul is able to provide only limited consular assistance.
The Embassy in Kabul does not issue passports, though in an emergency, a single page/single journey travel document can be provided. You should make sure you have plenty of spare pages in your passport, as it will fill up with visas and entry stamps very quickly. Replacement passports can be issued either by the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) in the UK, or the British High Commission in Islamabad. The application process will take at least four to five weeks.
The Embassy in Kabul does not issue visas. Visa applications should be made through our missions in Dubai, New Delhi or through Gerry's/Fedex bureaux in Pakistan. Before applying please contact the Embassy in Kabul for information on restrictions affecting visa applications made in these countries.
1237. MAIS EN ÊTES-VOUS SÛR?
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_2121.html#
Travel Warning
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520
This information is current as of today, Sun Nov 01 11:13:10 2009.
AFGHANISTAN
July 23, 2009
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to Afghanistan. The security threat to all American citizens in Afghanistan remains critical. This supersedes the Travel Warning for Afghanistan issued September 10, 2008, to remind U.S. citizens of the security risks, including kidnapping.
No part of Afghanistan should be considered immune from violence, and the potential exists throughout the country for hostile acts, either targeted or random, against American and other Western nationals at any time. Remnants of the former Taliban regime and the al-Qa'ida terrorist network, and other groups hostile to International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)/NATO military operations, remain active. There is an ongoing threat to kidnap and assassinate U.S. citizens and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) workers throughout the country. Afghan authorities have a limited ability to maintain order and ensure the security of citizens and visitors. Travel in all areas of Afghanistan is unsafe due to military operations, landmines, banditry, armed rivalry among political and tribal groups, and the possibility of terrorist attacks, including attacks using vehicular or other improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The security environment remains volatile and unpredictable.
Kabul is still considered at high risk for militant attacks, including rocket attacks, vehicle borne IEDs, and suicide bombings. The number of attacks in the south and southeastern areas of the country continues to be high as a result of insurgent and drug-related activity, but no part of the country is immune from attacks. More than 100 attacks were reported in Kabul over the past year, although many additional attacks were thwarted by Afghan and coalition forces. An additional 4,400 attacks occurred nationwide during the same timeframe.
Incidents have occurred with some frequency on the Kabul-Jalalabad Road (commonly called Jalalabad Road) and Kabul to Bagram Road. These roads are highly restricted for Embassy employees and, if the security situation warrants, sometimes prohibited completely.
Foreigners throughout the country continue to be targeted for violent attacks and kidnappings, whether motivated by terrorism or criminal activity. In January 2008, gunmen attacked the Serena Hotel and killed eight people, including an American contractor and a Norwegian journalist. In April 2008, an assassination attempt against Afghan President Karzai showed the continued desire of the insurgency to destabilize the Afghan government. The July 2008 bombing of the Indian Embassy in downtown Kabul, near many Western embassies and Afghan Government institutions, demonstrated the ability of the insurgents to undertake assaults within Kabul itself. In February 2009, insurgents launched a complex attack on multiple government buildings in Kabul. Rocket fire and rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attacks have occurred frequently. In August 2008, three female Western non-governmental organization (NGO) employees, along with their male Afghan driver, were gunned down as they traveled south of Kabul. Several American citizens were kidnapped in the six-month period between October 2008 and April 2009.
Riots and incidents of civil disturbance can and do occur, often without warning. American citizens should avoid rallies and demonstrations; even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.
Carjackings, robberies and violent crime remain a problem. American citizens involved in property disputes -- a common legal problem -- have reported that their adversaries in the disputes have threatened their lives. Americans who find themselves in such situations cannot assume that either local law enforcement or the U.S. Embassy will be able to assist them.
From time to time, depending on current security conditions, the U.S. Embassy places areas frequented by foreigners off limits to its personnel. Potential target areas include key national or international government establishments, international organizations and other locations with expatriate personnel, and public areas popular with the expatriate community. Private U.S. citizens are strongly urged to heed these restrictions as well and may obtain the latest information by consulting the embassy Web site below.
The United States Embassy's ability to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Afghanistan is limited, particularly for those persons outside the capital. U.S. citizens who choose to visit or remain in Afghanistan despite this Travel Warning are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration Web site, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Afghanistan. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy. Registering makes it easier for the Embassy to contact Americans in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at Great Masood Road between Radio Afghanistan and the Ministry of Public Health (the road is also known as Bebe Mahro or Airport Road), Kabul. The phone number is +93-700-108-001 or +93-700-108-002; the Consular Section can be reached for after-hours emergencies at +93-700-201-908. The Embassy website is http://afghanistan.usembassy.gov.
Updated information on travel and security in Afghanistan may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information, please consult the Country Specific Information for Afghanistan and the current Worldwide Caution , which are available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet Web site at http://travel.state.gov.
BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_2121.html#
Travel Warning
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520
This information is current as of today, Sun Nov 01 11:13:10 2009.
AFGHANISTAN
July 23, 2009
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to Afghanistan. The security threat to all American citizens in Afghanistan remains critical. This supersedes the Travel Warning for Afghanistan issued September 10, 2008, to remind U.S. citizens of the security risks, including kidnapping.
No part of Afghanistan should be considered immune from violence, and the potential exists throughout the country for hostile acts, either targeted or random, against American and other Western nationals at any time. Remnants of the former Taliban regime and the al-Qa'ida terrorist network, and other groups hostile to International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)/NATO military operations, remain active. There is an ongoing threat to kidnap and assassinate U.S. citizens and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) workers throughout the country. Afghan authorities have a limited ability to maintain order and ensure the security of citizens and visitors. Travel in all areas of Afghanistan is unsafe due to military operations, landmines, banditry, armed rivalry among political and tribal groups, and the possibility of terrorist attacks, including attacks using vehicular or other improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The security environment remains volatile and unpredictable.
Kabul is still considered at high risk for militant attacks, including rocket attacks, vehicle borne IEDs, and suicide bombings. The number of attacks in the south and southeastern areas of the country continues to be high as a result of insurgent and drug-related activity, but no part of the country is immune from attacks. More than 100 attacks were reported in Kabul over the past year, although many additional attacks were thwarted by Afghan and coalition forces. An additional 4,400 attacks occurred nationwide during the same timeframe.
Incidents have occurred with some frequency on the Kabul-Jalalabad Road (commonly called Jalalabad Road) and Kabul to Bagram Road. These roads are highly restricted for Embassy employees and, if the security situation warrants, sometimes prohibited completely.
Foreigners throughout the country continue to be targeted for violent attacks and kidnappings, whether motivated by terrorism or criminal activity. In January 2008, gunmen attacked the Serena Hotel and killed eight people, including an American contractor and a Norwegian journalist. In April 2008, an assassination attempt against Afghan President Karzai showed the continued desire of the insurgency to destabilize the Afghan government. The July 2008 bombing of the Indian Embassy in downtown Kabul, near many Western embassies and Afghan Government institutions, demonstrated the ability of the insurgents to undertake assaults within Kabul itself. In February 2009, insurgents launched a complex attack on multiple government buildings in Kabul. Rocket fire and rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attacks have occurred frequently. In August 2008, three female Western non-governmental organization (NGO) employees, along with their male Afghan driver, were gunned down as they traveled south of Kabul. Several American citizens were kidnapped in the six-month period between October 2008 and April 2009.
Riots and incidents of civil disturbance can and do occur, often without warning. American citizens should avoid rallies and demonstrations; even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.
Carjackings, robberies and violent crime remain a problem. American citizens involved in property disputes -- a common legal problem -- have reported that their adversaries in the disputes have threatened their lives. Americans who find themselves in such situations cannot assume that either local law enforcement or the U.S. Embassy will be able to assist them.
From time to time, depending on current security conditions, the U.S. Embassy places areas frequented by foreigners off limits to its personnel. Potential target areas include key national or international government establishments, international organizations and other locations with expatriate personnel, and public areas popular with the expatriate community. Private U.S. citizens are strongly urged to heed these restrictions as well and may obtain the latest information by consulting the embassy Web site below.
The United States Embassy's ability to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Afghanistan is limited, particularly for those persons outside the capital. U.S. citizens who choose to visit or remain in Afghanistan despite this Travel Warning are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration Web site, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Afghanistan. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy. Registering makes it easier for the Embassy to contact Americans in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at Great Masood Road between Radio Afghanistan and the Ministry of Public Health (the road is also known as Bebe Mahro or Airport Road), Kabul. The phone number is +93-700-108-001 or +93-700-108-002; the Consular Section can be reached for after-hours emergencies at +93-700-201-908. The Embassy website is http://afghanistan.usembassy.gov.
Updated information on travel and security in Afghanistan may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information, please consult the Country Specific Information for Afghanistan and the current Worldwide Caution , which are available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet Web site at http://travel.state.gov.
1236. QU'EN PENSENT LES USA ?
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html
Worldwide Caution
July 29, 2009
The Department of State has issued this Worldwide Caution to update information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against American citizens and interests throughout the world. In some countries, the worldwide recession has contributed to political and economic instability and social unrest. American citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. This replaces the Worldwide Caution dated February 2, 2009 to provide updated information on security threats and terrorist activities worldwide.
The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations, and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. Americans are reminded that demonstrations and rioting can occur with little or no warning. Current information suggests that al-Qaida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings, and bombings. The July 17 bombing of the JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels in Jakarta, Indonesia, where at least nine people were killed and six Americans were among the 50 or more injured; the February 2009 kidnapping of an American UNHCR official in Pakistan; the kidnapping of four European tourists in January on the Mali-Niger border; the kidnapping of two Canadian diplomats in Niger in December 2008; and the kidnapping of NGO workers along the Kenya-Somali border in July 2009 all illustrate the continuing desire of extremists to strike Western targets and perceived interests.
Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official and private interests. Examples of such targets include high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas, and locales where Americans gather in large numbers, including during holidays. Terrorists attacked two hotels, a railway station, restaurant, hospital, and other locations frequented by Westerners in Mumbai, India, on November 26, 2008. Over 170 persons are believed to have been killed, including six Americans, and hundreds were injured. On September 20, 2008, terrorists bombed the Islamabad Marriott Hotel killing two U.S. Department of Defense employees and one Department of State contractor. One private American sustained minor injuries. A July 9, 2008, terrorist attack on Turkish police guarding the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul, Turkey, killed three police officers and wounded other police personnel. The March 15, 2008, bombing of an Italian restaurant in Islamabad, Pakistan, injured several Americans.
Americans are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems. Bombs exploded near city buses in Tripoli, Lebanon, on August 13 and September 29, 2008, killing twenty-one people. Other incidents include multiple anti-personnel mine detonations on passenger buses in June 2008 in Sri Lanka, multiple terrorist attacks on trains in India in 2006, the July 2005 London Underground bombings, and the March 2004 train attacks in Madrid. Extremists also may select aviation and maritime services as possible targets, such as the August 2006 plot against aircraft in London, or the December 2006 bomb at Madrid's Barajas International Airport. In June 2007, a vehicle was driven into the main terminal at Glasgow International Airport and burst into flames, but the bomb failed to detonate.
The Middle East and North Africa
Credible information indicates terrorist groups seek to continue attacks against U.S. interests in the Middle East and North Africa. Terrorist actions may include bombings, hijackings, hostage taking, kidnappings, and assassinations. While conventional weapons such as explosive devices are a more immediate threat in many areas, use of non-conventional weapons, including chemical or biological agents, must be considered a possible threat. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorists and their sympathizers to seek softer targets such as public transportation, residential areas, and public areas where people congregate, including restaurants, hotels, clubs, and shopping areas.
In January 2009, unidentified gunmen opened fire outside the U.S. Embassy in Sana'a, Yemen. No injuries were reported. On September 17, 2008, armed terrorists attacked the U.S. Embassy in Sana'a, Yemen, killing several Yemeni personnel, one embassy security guard, and a few individuals waiting to gain entry to the embassy. On January 15, 2008, a roadside explosion in Beirut, Lebanon killed three Lebanese and injured an American citizen. On December 11, 2007, two vehicle-borne explosive devices were detonated at the UN headquarters in Algiers and the Algerian Constitutional Council. There were a series of bombings in Morocco in March and April 2007, two of which occurred simultaneously outside the U.S. Consulate General and the private American Language Center in Casablanca. Additionally, an attack took place on the American International School in Gaza in April 2007. These events underscore the intent of terrorist entities to target facilities perceived to cater to Westerners.
Potential targets are not limited to those companies or establishments with overt U.S. ties. For instance, terrorists may target movie theaters, liquor stores, bars, casinos, or any similar type of establishment, regardless of whether they are owned and operated by host country nationals. Due to varying degrees of security at all such locations, Americans should be particularly vigilant when visiting these establishments.
The violence in Iraq and conflict between Palestinians and Israelis has the potential to produce demonstrations and unrest throughout the region. The armed conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas in Gaza in December 2008 and January 2009 raised tensions and sparked demonstrations throughout the world. The Department of State continues to warn of the possibility for violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests in the region. Anti-American violence could include possible terrorist actions against aviation, ground transportation, and maritime interests, specifically in the Middle East, including the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, the Arabian Peninsula, and North Africa.
The Department is concerned that extremists may be planning to carry out attacks against Westerners and oil workers on the Arabian Peninsula. Armed attacks targeting foreign nationals in Saudi Arabia that resulted in many deaths and injuries, including U.S. citizens, appear to have been preceded by extensive surveillance. On February 22, 2009, there was a bomb attack targeting a popular tourist destination in Cairo, Egypt's Old City. Tourist destinations in Egypt frequented by Westerners were also attacked in April 2006 resulting in many deaths and injuries, including Americans. Extremists may be surveilling Westerners, particularly at hotels, housing areas, and rental car facilities. Potential targets may include U.S. contractors, particularly those related to military interests. Financial or economic venues of value also could be considered as possible targets; the failed attack on the Abqaiq oil processing facility in Saudi Arabia in late February 2006 and the September 2006 attack on oil facilities in Yemen are examples.
East Africa
A number of al-Qaida operatives and other extremists are believed to be operating in and around East Africa. As a result of the conflict in Somalia, some of these individuals may seek to relocate elsewhere in the region. Americans considering travel to the region and those already there should review their plans carefully, remain vigilant with regard to their personal security, and exercise caution. Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings, kidnappings, or targeting maritime vessels. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorists to seek softer targets such as hotels, beach resorts, prominent public places, and landmarks. In particular, terrorists and like-minded extremists may target international aid workers, civil aviation, and seaports in various locations throughout East Africa, including Somalia. On July 17, three NGO workers were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen from their base in Mandera, Kenya, located on the border with Somalia. Americans in remote areas or border regions where military or police authority is limited or non-existent could also become targets.
Americans considering travel by sea near the Horn of Africa or in the southern Red Sea should exercise extreme caution, as there has been a notable increase in armed attacks, robberies, and kidnappings for ransom at sea by pirates in recent months. Merchant vessels continue to be hijacked in Somali territorial waters, while others have been hijacked as far as 300 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia, Yemen, and Kenya in international waters.
The U.S. Government maritime authorities advise mariners to avoid the port of Mogadishu, and to remain at least 200 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia. In addition, when transiting around the Horn of Africa or in the Red Sea, it is strongly recommended that vessels travel in convoys, and maintain good communications contact at all times. Americans traveling on commercial passenger vessels should consult with the shipping or cruise ship company regarding precautions that will be taken to avoid hijacking incidents. Commercial vessels should review the Department of Transportation Maritime Administration's suggested piracy countermeasures for vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden.
West Africa
The terrorist group, Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), has become increasingly active in the West African countries of Mali, Mauritania, and Niger, as well as in parts of North Africa. AQIM uses regions of these countries as safe havens and platforms from which to conduct operations. Formerly known as GSPC (Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat), AQIM has been designated a terrorist organization by both the United States and the European Union.
AQIM has declared its intention to attack Western interests and targets. AQIM is known to operate in the northern region of Mali, the southeastern region of Mauritania, and along the border between Niger and Mali. In addition to being a threat to Westerners, AQIM contributes to civil unrest and banditry, which reinforce longstanding security concerns in West Africa. U.S. citizens are urged to avoid travel to these areas. U.S. government personnel are required to obtain advance written approval to travel to these areas. For additional information about travel in this region, please consult the Country Specific Information (CSI) for Mauritania, Mali, and Niger.
South and Central Asia
The U.S. Government continues to receive information that terrorist groups in South and Central Asia may be planning attacks in the region, possibly against U.S. Government facilities, American citizens, or American interests. The presence of al-Qaida, Taliban elements, indigenous sectarian groups, and other terror organizations, many of which are on the U.S. Government's list of foreign terror organizations, poses a potential danger to American citizens in the region. Terrorists and their sympathizers have demonstrated their willingness and capability to attack targets where Americans or Westerners are known to congregate or visit. Their actions may include, but are not limited to, vehicle-born explosives, improvised explosive devices, assassinations, carjacking, rocket attacks, assaults or kidnappings.
In June 2009, gunmen stormed the Pearl Continental Hotel in Peshawar, Pakistan, and detonated a bomb that resulted in several deaths and scores of injuries. In February 2009, Taliban insurgents conducted a coordinated terrorist attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, which resulted in the death of at least 26 and the wounding of 50 individuals. Between October 2008 and June 2009, several American citizens were kidnapped in Afghanistan and Pakistan. In November 2008, coordinated terrorist attacks on luxury hotels, a Jewish community center, a restaurant, train station, hospital, and other facilities frequented by foreigners in Mumbai, India, killed more than 170, including six Americans. On November 12, 2008, an American government contractor and his driver in Peshawar, Pakistan, were shot and killed in their car. In September 2008, more than fifty people, including three Americans, were killed and hundreds were injured when a suicide bomber set off a truck filled with explosives outside a major international hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan. In August 2008, gunmen stopped and shot at the vehicle of an American diplomat in Peshawar. Also in August, three western non-governmental organization (NGO) employees, along with their Afghan driver, were gunned down as they traveled south of Kabul, Afghanistan. On June 2, 2008, a large bomb exploded in front of the Danish Embassy in Islamabad, killing at least six people and wounding nearly 20. In May 2008, a series of coordinated bombings occurred in market and temple areas of the tourist city of Jaipur in Rajasthan, India. In Afghanistan, kidnappings and terrorist attacks on international organizations, international aid workers, and foreign interests continue.
Previous terrorist attacks conducted in Central Asia have involved improvised explosive devices and suicide bombers and have targeted public areas, such as markets, local government facilities, and, in 2004, the U.S. and Israeli Embassies in Uzbekistan. In addition, hostage-takings and skirmishes have occurred near the Uzbek-Tajik-Kyrgyz border areas.
Before You Go
U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site to obtain updated information on travel and security. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad".
U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Americans abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, outside the United States and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday through Friday, Eastern Time (except U.S. federal holidays.)
Worldwide Caution
July 29, 2009
The Department of State has issued this Worldwide Caution to update information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against American citizens and interests throughout the world. In some countries, the worldwide recession has contributed to political and economic instability and social unrest. American citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. This replaces the Worldwide Caution dated February 2, 2009 to provide updated information on security threats and terrorist activities worldwide.
The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations, and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. Americans are reminded that demonstrations and rioting can occur with little or no warning. Current information suggests that al-Qaida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings, and bombings. The July 17 bombing of the JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels in Jakarta, Indonesia, where at least nine people were killed and six Americans were among the 50 or more injured; the February 2009 kidnapping of an American UNHCR official in Pakistan; the kidnapping of four European tourists in January on the Mali-Niger border; the kidnapping of two Canadian diplomats in Niger in December 2008; and the kidnapping of NGO workers along the Kenya-Somali border in July 2009 all illustrate the continuing desire of extremists to strike Western targets and perceived interests.
Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official and private interests. Examples of such targets include high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas, and locales where Americans gather in large numbers, including during holidays. Terrorists attacked two hotels, a railway station, restaurant, hospital, and other locations frequented by Westerners in Mumbai, India, on November 26, 2008. Over 170 persons are believed to have been killed, including six Americans, and hundreds were injured. On September 20, 2008, terrorists bombed the Islamabad Marriott Hotel killing two U.S. Department of Defense employees and one Department of State contractor. One private American sustained minor injuries. A July 9, 2008, terrorist attack on Turkish police guarding the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul, Turkey, killed three police officers and wounded other police personnel. The March 15, 2008, bombing of an Italian restaurant in Islamabad, Pakistan, injured several Americans.
Americans are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems. Bombs exploded near city buses in Tripoli, Lebanon, on August 13 and September 29, 2008, killing twenty-one people. Other incidents include multiple anti-personnel mine detonations on passenger buses in June 2008 in Sri Lanka, multiple terrorist attacks on trains in India in 2006, the July 2005 London Underground bombings, and the March 2004 train attacks in Madrid. Extremists also may select aviation and maritime services as possible targets, such as the August 2006 plot against aircraft in London, or the December 2006 bomb at Madrid's Barajas International Airport. In June 2007, a vehicle was driven into the main terminal at Glasgow International Airport and burst into flames, but the bomb failed to detonate.
The Middle East and North Africa
Credible information indicates terrorist groups seek to continue attacks against U.S. interests in the Middle East and North Africa. Terrorist actions may include bombings, hijackings, hostage taking, kidnappings, and assassinations. While conventional weapons such as explosive devices are a more immediate threat in many areas, use of non-conventional weapons, including chemical or biological agents, must be considered a possible threat. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorists and their sympathizers to seek softer targets such as public transportation, residential areas, and public areas where people congregate, including restaurants, hotels, clubs, and shopping areas.
In January 2009, unidentified gunmen opened fire outside the U.S. Embassy in Sana'a, Yemen. No injuries were reported. On September 17, 2008, armed terrorists attacked the U.S. Embassy in Sana'a, Yemen, killing several Yemeni personnel, one embassy security guard, and a few individuals waiting to gain entry to the embassy. On January 15, 2008, a roadside explosion in Beirut, Lebanon killed three Lebanese and injured an American citizen. On December 11, 2007, two vehicle-borne explosive devices were detonated at the UN headquarters in Algiers and the Algerian Constitutional Council. There were a series of bombings in Morocco in March and April 2007, two of which occurred simultaneously outside the U.S. Consulate General and the private American Language Center in Casablanca. Additionally, an attack took place on the American International School in Gaza in April 2007. These events underscore the intent of terrorist entities to target facilities perceived to cater to Westerners.
Potential targets are not limited to those companies or establishments with overt U.S. ties. For instance, terrorists may target movie theaters, liquor stores, bars, casinos, or any similar type of establishment, regardless of whether they are owned and operated by host country nationals. Due to varying degrees of security at all such locations, Americans should be particularly vigilant when visiting these establishments.
The violence in Iraq and conflict between Palestinians and Israelis has the potential to produce demonstrations and unrest throughout the region. The armed conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas in Gaza in December 2008 and January 2009 raised tensions and sparked demonstrations throughout the world. The Department of State continues to warn of the possibility for violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests in the region. Anti-American violence could include possible terrorist actions against aviation, ground transportation, and maritime interests, specifically in the Middle East, including the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, the Arabian Peninsula, and North Africa.
The Department is concerned that extremists may be planning to carry out attacks against Westerners and oil workers on the Arabian Peninsula. Armed attacks targeting foreign nationals in Saudi Arabia that resulted in many deaths and injuries, including U.S. citizens, appear to have been preceded by extensive surveillance. On February 22, 2009, there was a bomb attack targeting a popular tourist destination in Cairo, Egypt's Old City. Tourist destinations in Egypt frequented by Westerners were also attacked in April 2006 resulting in many deaths and injuries, including Americans. Extremists may be surveilling Westerners, particularly at hotels, housing areas, and rental car facilities. Potential targets may include U.S. contractors, particularly those related to military interests. Financial or economic venues of value also could be considered as possible targets; the failed attack on the Abqaiq oil processing facility in Saudi Arabia in late February 2006 and the September 2006 attack on oil facilities in Yemen are examples.
East Africa
A number of al-Qaida operatives and other extremists are believed to be operating in and around East Africa. As a result of the conflict in Somalia, some of these individuals may seek to relocate elsewhere in the region. Americans considering travel to the region and those already there should review their plans carefully, remain vigilant with regard to their personal security, and exercise caution. Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings, kidnappings, or targeting maritime vessels. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorists to seek softer targets such as hotels, beach resorts, prominent public places, and landmarks. In particular, terrorists and like-minded extremists may target international aid workers, civil aviation, and seaports in various locations throughout East Africa, including Somalia. On July 17, three NGO workers were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen from their base in Mandera, Kenya, located on the border with Somalia. Americans in remote areas or border regions where military or police authority is limited or non-existent could also become targets.
Americans considering travel by sea near the Horn of Africa or in the southern Red Sea should exercise extreme caution, as there has been a notable increase in armed attacks, robberies, and kidnappings for ransom at sea by pirates in recent months. Merchant vessels continue to be hijacked in Somali territorial waters, while others have been hijacked as far as 300 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia, Yemen, and Kenya in international waters.
The U.S. Government maritime authorities advise mariners to avoid the port of Mogadishu, and to remain at least 200 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia. In addition, when transiting around the Horn of Africa or in the Red Sea, it is strongly recommended that vessels travel in convoys, and maintain good communications contact at all times. Americans traveling on commercial passenger vessels should consult with the shipping or cruise ship company regarding precautions that will be taken to avoid hijacking incidents. Commercial vessels should review the Department of Transportation Maritime Administration's suggested piracy countermeasures for vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden.
West Africa
The terrorist group, Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), has become increasingly active in the West African countries of Mali, Mauritania, and Niger, as well as in parts of North Africa. AQIM uses regions of these countries as safe havens and platforms from which to conduct operations. Formerly known as GSPC (Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat), AQIM has been designated a terrorist organization by both the United States and the European Union.
AQIM has declared its intention to attack Western interests and targets. AQIM is known to operate in the northern region of Mali, the southeastern region of Mauritania, and along the border between Niger and Mali. In addition to being a threat to Westerners, AQIM contributes to civil unrest and banditry, which reinforce longstanding security concerns in West Africa. U.S. citizens are urged to avoid travel to these areas. U.S. government personnel are required to obtain advance written approval to travel to these areas. For additional information about travel in this region, please consult the Country Specific Information (CSI) for Mauritania, Mali, and Niger.
South and Central Asia
The U.S. Government continues to receive information that terrorist groups in South and Central Asia may be planning attacks in the region, possibly against U.S. Government facilities, American citizens, or American interests. The presence of al-Qaida, Taliban elements, indigenous sectarian groups, and other terror organizations, many of which are on the U.S. Government's list of foreign terror organizations, poses a potential danger to American citizens in the region. Terrorists and their sympathizers have demonstrated their willingness and capability to attack targets where Americans or Westerners are known to congregate or visit. Their actions may include, but are not limited to, vehicle-born explosives, improvised explosive devices, assassinations, carjacking, rocket attacks, assaults or kidnappings.
In June 2009, gunmen stormed the Pearl Continental Hotel in Peshawar, Pakistan, and detonated a bomb that resulted in several deaths and scores of injuries. In February 2009, Taliban insurgents conducted a coordinated terrorist attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, which resulted in the death of at least 26 and the wounding of 50 individuals. Between October 2008 and June 2009, several American citizens were kidnapped in Afghanistan and Pakistan. In November 2008, coordinated terrorist attacks on luxury hotels, a Jewish community center, a restaurant, train station, hospital, and other facilities frequented by foreigners in Mumbai, India, killed more than 170, including six Americans. On November 12, 2008, an American government contractor and his driver in Peshawar, Pakistan, were shot and killed in their car. In September 2008, more than fifty people, including three Americans, were killed and hundreds were injured when a suicide bomber set off a truck filled with explosives outside a major international hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan. In August 2008, gunmen stopped and shot at the vehicle of an American diplomat in Peshawar. Also in August, three western non-governmental organization (NGO) employees, along with their Afghan driver, were gunned down as they traveled south of Kabul, Afghanistan. On June 2, 2008, a large bomb exploded in front of the Danish Embassy in Islamabad, killing at least six people and wounding nearly 20. In May 2008, a series of coordinated bombings occurred in market and temple areas of the tourist city of Jaipur in Rajasthan, India. In Afghanistan, kidnappings and terrorist attacks on international organizations, international aid workers, and foreign interests continue.
Previous terrorist attacks conducted in Central Asia have involved improvised explosive devices and suicide bombers and have targeted public areas, such as markets, local government facilities, and, in 2004, the U.S. and Israeli Embassies in Uzbekistan. In addition, hostage-takings and skirmishes have occurred near the Uzbek-Tajik-Kyrgyz border areas.
Before You Go
U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site to obtain updated information on travel and security. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad".
U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Americans abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, outside the United States and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday through Friday, Eastern Time (except U.S. federal holidays.)
S'abonner à :
Messages (Atom)
