re: "Darwinian Tourism Still Thrives In Egypt"

DMartyr at The Jawa Report ("Sand people: get it?") accounted for two American tourists who went missing in Egypt.

Money quote(s):

"Many parts of the world are not a safe place for foreigners. We, living in America, tend to take security for granted. Travel the world, enjoy your life. Just use a little common sense."

Many places in the world are no more dangerous than your home town. The dangers in those places, however, will often take forms different from the hazards you routinely avoid in your everyday life.

Of course, some places are way more dangerous than your home town.

Americans planning overseas travel would do well always and everywhere to take a lot at the Country Specific Information that the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs takes such pains to compile and update.

2/3

"some ideas on where the line is"

Newly-hired FSO McKeatings of All Aboard the Crazy Bus ("a just-joined Foreign Service family working through a new career and taking care of our family of five plus pets") answered my question of last week (Q: "Anybody know which number A-100 class this is?". A: "We are, for now, the 'Cheerful Members of the 168th' ".) and posed another:

"I started a blog and then we had our first ISSO briefing that more or less told us to stop it and then a briefing by the AS for PD who told us to use social media. Can you help a fellow CONS officer with some ideas on where the line is?"

This question has come up a few times before.

But in addition to re-heating the same old hash, I figured it was time for something of an update:

"Since that advice dates from JANUARY 2, 2009, here're a few thoughts for the new decade.

1. Obviously, the new administration came (and I still have my job). So far, so good.

2. Social media is definitely something you need to be comfortable using as an FSO these days. When you get to post, if your embassy doesn't already have a web page and a Facebook page (relatively few posts now, I think), get one started.

(Interjection: I shouldn't have to say this, but I will. One does not simply walk into starting a blog or web page for your post. The wheel having already been invented, there are policies and procedures in place for this already so don't go off half-cocked. Impetuousness is not one of the cardinal virtues of a diplomat.)

3. Consular officers should be especially proactive in terms of using social media such as Facebook to maximize information saturation and message dissemination when it comes to things in the consular bailiwick, whether they be things like Travel Warnings/Advisories or changes to your operating hours or holiday schedules for consular services and contact information.

Most of that stuff goes through a clearance process in-house so there shouldn't be any issues about using social media to push it out to your readers/visitors.

3. For reasons of safety/security, don't publicize your own travel/movements or those of family members or staff. I shouldn't _have_ to say that, but I will anyway.

Afterwords, put up all the (tasteful) pictures and such that you like.

Of course, if you're trying to advertise, for instance, a public event like an Amcit town hall meeting or something, then you're going to announce that; but that's the exception to the rule.

4. Use common sense. Drunken party pictures of yourself, other diplomats, &tc., don't exactly cover the Foreign Service with glory. While these things can happen (and pictures can get taken) don't be the knucklehead who puts them on their blog.

5. Keep using common sense. Writing embarrassing things about your country-of-assignment might not be helpful in terms to enabling you to accomplish your job in that country.

I'm not telling you to lie, and I'm certainly not telling you not to "tell it like it is" about the "facts on the ground" when it comes to your reporting cables back to D.C. In fact, reporting cables are _exactly_ where that stuff should be written. It's what they/we pay you to do, in fact.

6. Use some more common sense. Never discuss ongoing classified or sensitive matters within your cognizance. Declassification dates exist for a reason.

Best of luck in your new careers, 168th!"

Vaya con Dios!

re: "Ten Things You Should Know About the State Department and USAID"

Thomas R. Nides, Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, at DipNote ("U.S. Department of State Official Blog") had a good piece about things you likely don't know.

Money quote(s):

"Former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates used to say that the Department of Defense has as many people in military bands as the State Department has in the Foreign Service."

The other sound bite factoid is that the DoD has more lawyers than the State Department has diplomats. I've never seen anyone even attempt to dispute either statement.

"2. We support American citizens abroad. In the past eight months, we provided emergency assistance to, or helped coordinate travel to safe locations for, American citizens in Japan, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Bahrain, and Cote d'Ivoire in the wake of natural disasters or civil unrest. Last year, we assisted in 11,000 international adoptions and worked on over 1,100 new child abduction cases -- resulting in the return of 485 American children."

I was going to follow this up with an excerpt from the State Department's "mission statement" that presents consular activities such as protecting-Americans-abroad as one of the core missions of the Department, but all I can currently find is some blather from the Bureau of Resource Management about "Shape and sustain a peaceful, prosperous, just, and democratic world and foster conditions for stability and progress for the benefit of the American people and people everywhere."

Huh? (Which is to say: OFFS! WTF?)

(Okay: where did the real mission statement go? I've seen it before.... )

At least CA still has a real mission statement:

"The mission of the Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA) is to protect the lives and interests of American citizens abroad and to strengthen the security of United States borders through the vigilant adjudication of visas and passports. CA contributes significantly to the USG goal of promoting international exchange and understanding. Our vision is to help American citizens engage the world. The Bureau issues the travel documents that allow Americans to travel the globe and lawful immigrants and visitors to travel to America and provides essential cycle of life services to American citizens overseas."

D/S Nides continued:

"9. We help Americans see the world. In 2010, we issued 14 million passports for Americans to travel abroad. We facilitate the lawful travel of students, tourists and business people, including issuing more than 700,000 visas for foreign students to study in the U.S. last year. And, if a storm could disrupt your vacation plans or if you could get sick from drinking the water, we alert you through our travel warnings."

Yeah. Stuff like that. Facilitate legitimate travel. Provide accurate and timely travel information and cautions. Get some.

"10. We are the face of America overseas. Our diplomats, development experts, and the programs they implement are the source of American leadership around the world. They are the embodiments of our American values abroad. They are a force for good in the world."

Development experts.... Sadly, D/S Nides' statement continues the conflation and assimilation of State and USAID. CAA remains wholly unconvinced that this is all that great a good idea.

That being said, U.S. diplomats serving at our far-flung embassies, consulate, and other missions abroad are often the first, if not the only, representatives of either/both the U.S. government or the American people who most non-Americans abroad will ever encounter in person.

And our powers should only be used for good.

D/S Nides concluded:

"All of this (and more) costs the American taxpayer about one percent of the overall federal budget. That is a small investment that yields a large return by advancing our national security, promoting our economic interests, and reaffirming our country's exceptional role in the world."

It's a truism (or "truthism") that most American citizens have a vast overestimation of just how much of the federal budget goes to either diplomacy or to foreign aid. Even when you throw in what the DoD spends or military aid, it's still a drop in the eye dropper compared to the rest of the "discretionary spending" and "entitlements."

(Oh, and this presumes that there is a budget, something which has not been true for several years now.)

8/26

JW - Hacking Through The Red Tape

From my archive of press clippings:

The Jewish Week


Hacking Through The Red Tape

12/08/2009


The State Department’s travel information Web site is an essential first step for those planning a trip.

by Hilary Larson

Travel Writer


As I planned my winter travels recently, I found myself mired in a sea of red tape. There were visa requirements to sort out, length-of-stay restrictions to double check, passports to renew. What struck me was how difficult it can be to find the information you need — and how common misconceptions can get you into trouble.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"For anybody planning a trip, the essential first step is to visit the travel information Web site maintained by the United States government: www.travel.state.gov. It has a comprehensive section on passports and visas, and a travel information page for each country in the world, with clearly stated entry and exit requirements. (There is also a list of updated travel warnings for dicey destinations, which read like the plot of an action movie: grim recounts of explosions, killings and terrorist activity.)"

BH - Traveling out of U.S. Check out State Department info first.

Bradenton Herald

Traveling out of U.S. Check out State Department info first.

Wednesday, Apr. 08, 2009


If you’re thinking about taking a vacation out of the country, check with the Department of State before you plan the trip. There is a lot of information that can be helpful. Not just on how to get a passport, but how to avoid problem areas and situations.

Read the whole article here.

MSNBC - Ahead of Spring Break, U.S. State Department warns of travel to Mexico

From my archive of press clippings:

MSNBC

Ahead of Spring Break, U.S. State Department warns of travel to Mexico

KHQ-TV


WASHINGTON. - The U.S. government says Mexico's bloody drug war is a growing threat to tourists. Now, as college students start planning their spring breaks, the U.S. State Department has a new warning about traveling to Mexico.
This is the image Mexico wants American tourists to see: beautiful beaches, party time!

Read the whole article here.


Snippet(s):


"Recently, this is more the reality: a drug war that is spiraling out of control."


"College students planning for spring break are taking notice."

&

"In a travel advisory issued just last week, the U.S. State Department warns, "large fire fights have taken place in many towns and cities across Mexico. During some of these incidents, U.S. citizens have been trapped."


Travel agents say most tourist towns like Cancun are still popular."

TCDS - U.S. State Department Issues Travel Alert, Warns Against Drug Violence in Mexico

The Cornell Daily Sun



U.S. State Department Issues Travel Alert, Warns Against Drug Violence in Mexico

March 10, 2009 - 12:00am

By Sandie Cheng

Despite warnings issued throughout the nation about the increased bloodshed and chaos in Mexico, students who plan to travel there over spring break are confident that the use of common sense will keep them safe.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"On Feb. 20, the U.S. State Department released a warning to American travelers concerning the recent increase in drug-related violence in Mexico and its surrounding U.S. borders. Universities across the nation, including Cornell, have also released warnings to their students about the potential dangers of this popular spring break destination and urged students to exercise extreme caution."

"Despite warnings, students are not dissuaded from going south to the warmth of Mexico."

&

"In the travel alert issued by the U.S. State Department, travelers are advised against displaying a large amount of money or valuables, traveling to locations where prostitution and drug-dealing are prevalent, traveling at night, or traveling alone."

DCE - Travel advisory affects area students' plans

DC Examiner

Travel advisory affects area students' plans


By Rachelle Brown

Special to The Examiner 3/5/09

Martin do Nascimento hoped he could volunteer while in Mexico for spring break.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"The American University senior is part of a group of AU students who will be in Oaxaca next week for an alternative spring break, a service learning experience in which the students will study economic development in Mexico. They were also supposed to do a service project at the Mexico City garbage dump."

&

"To increase safety and calm anxious parents, additional safety measures have been added for the trip to southern Mexico. Now students will have a nightly curfew, avoid public transportation and not travel on the bus overnight. Those changes meant adjusting the trip’s itinerary, and volunteering at the dump is off the schedule."

BUT - BU Urges Caution South of the Border. State Department travel advisory warns spring breakers to be careful.

BU Today

BU Urges Caution South of the Border. State Department travel advisory warns spring breakers to be careful.


March 4, 2009


By Jessica Ullian

Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore is asking BU students to be particularly careful while traveling during spring break following a State Department warning about violence near the U.S.-Mexican border.“Please take note of any travel advisories that may be in effect,”

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"The State Department also has a special Web site for spring break travelers in Mexico that provides safety tips and information about recreation, nightlife, and transportation, as well as a list of embassy and consulate contacts to be used in case of emergency.

For information about travel, a list of U.S. embassies abroad, and information about preparing for travel abroad, visit the State Department’s Students Abroad Web site."

_____

Jessica Ullian can be reached at jullian@bu.edu.

CT - State Department wary about safety in Columbia

From my archive of press clippings:

Chicago Tribune

State Department wary about safety in Columbia

January 25, 2009


BY ALEXIA ELEJALDE-RUIZ

CHICAGO TRIBUNE

The U.S. government continues to issue travel warnings for Colombia, citing violence from narco-terrorist groups, including the threat of kidnapping. In its most recent warning in August, the State Department said that violence remains high in some small towns and rural areas and the port city of Buenaventura.
But since 2005, the U.S. advisories have noted a marked decrease in violence in many urban areas, including Cartagena, Bogotá, Medellín and Barranquilla.


Read the whole article here.


Snippet(s):

"Two leftist revolutionary groups were responsible for most of the kidnappings. Those groups claim to represent the rural poor against Colombia's wealthy classes and fund their activities with ransoms and the drug trade."

&

"Although the vast majority of kidnapping victims have been Colombian, 324 foreigners were kidnapped from 1996 through 2007, 32 of them North Americans, according to the Free Country Foundation. In July, the Colombian government rescued 15 hostages, including former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt and three Americans, who had been held for more than five years."

S&S - Base commanders issue new restrictions on travel to Mexico

From my archive of press clippings:

Stars and Stripes


Base commanders issue new restrictions on travel to Mexico


By Leo Shane III, Stars and Stripes

Pacific edition, Saturday, January 24, 2009

James B. Hoke/Courtesy of the U.S. Marine Corps


A Marine at the Entertainment Ticket Office looks over brochures that give tips on how to stay safe while visiting border towns in Mexico like Tijuana.


WASHINGTON — Weekend trips across the Mexican border might be a thing of the past for servicemembers stationed in the southwest.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"Over the last month, military bases along the United States’ southern border have issued new rules regarding travel into Mexico, requiring their personnel to get advance written permission to make the trip.

Defense Department officials said there is no force-wide ban on vacations into Mexico by military personnel, but they noted commanders at those southwest bases have issued new restrictions on their own because of increased violence and drug activity in border towns.

Those include a number of units that have recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan. Marines and sailors stationed in California — at posts such as Camp Pendleton, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and Twentynine Palms — and those at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma in Arizona were informed of the changes over the last few weeks."

"Since 2000 all Marines E-3 and below have been required to get permission to travel into Mexico. Now, Evans said, all personnel must get a liberty chit signed by an O-5 or higher before crossing the border.

Commanders at Fort Huachuca in Arizona issued similar restrictions in December."

&

"Commanders at Fort Bliss in Texas have designated eight Mexican border towns as off-limits to their troops, except in cases where leadership allows visits for personal or family emergencies.
Last fall, the State Department issued new travel warnings regarding escalating battles between police and drug cartels in Mexican border towns."

TTOI - US advisory for visitors to Mumbai

From my archive of press clippings:

The Times of India

US advisory for visitors to Mumbai

Dec 2008, 0228 hrs IST, Srinivas Laxman, TNN

MUMBAI: The terrorist attacks on Mumbai tragically demonstrate that even in five-star hotels, security is not equipped to deter such strikes, says an alert issued by the US department of the state on Saturday.

Read the whole article here.