Al Qaeda threat: 19 US diplomatic sites to remain closed through next weekend

Al Qaeda threat: Despite the seriousness of the Al Qaeda threat, the apparent targeting of US interests abroad – rather than in the US proper – suggests the group's aspirations have contracted since 9/11.

A Bahraini armored personnel vehicle reinforces US Embassy security just outside a gate to the embassy building in Manama, Bahrain, on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2013.

The US has extended the closure of some of its embassies across the Middle East and Africa through the end of this week, amid fears of an imminent attack by Al Qaeda against Western targets within the region.

Arthur Bright is the Europe Editor at The Christian Science Monitor. He has worked for the Monitor in various capacities since 2004, including as the Online News Editor and a regular contributor to the Monitor's Terrorism & Security blog. He is also a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

CNN reports that 15 of the 22 embassies and consulates that the US closed on Sunday, a normal work day in the region, would remain closed through the week until Saturday, according to a statement from the US State Department. Four additional diplomatic sites, all in Africa, would also be closed, the statement said. The threat is believed to be meant to coincide with the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which wraps up with the celebration of Eid on Wednesday night.

"This is not an indication of a new threat stream, merely an indication of our commitment to exercise caution and take appropriate steps to protect our employees including local employees and visitors to our facilities," the State Department said.

The US has also issued a travel alert regarding the possibility of an Al Qaeda-related attack. The alert runs until the end of August.

Comments

DO YOU WANT TO BECOME A MASON IN NIGERIA

After all i have said about this fraternity if you are still interested in becoming a mason there are just simply ways in which you can do that, but inspite of my post i am neither encouraging nor discouraging you all i am doing is just to let you know more about this frat and there's more to come about those who have joined, the so called stars like jay-z, kanye west etc i guess its just 7 simple ways to join and off you go Are there things you want to accomplish in your life? Are there ways you want to enrich yourself? Do you enjoy being with people you like and respect? As a Freemason, you’ll find friendship and fraternity. You’ll develop life skills like self-confidence, leadership, and effective communication. You’ll learn to work as part of a team and to better yourself as you help others. Think about taking the first step into becoming a Mason. It is widely thought that one must be invited to become a Freemason or that Freemasonry is so exclusive as to be b...

13 Places You Should Visit In before the end of 2013

Wikimedia Commons It's more than halfway through 2013 and even though the summer is winding down, there's still plenty of time to book a trip to a great destination. We looked at major developments, cultural trends, and global festivals to find the hottest places to travel around the world in 2013. There are vast untouched landscapes that offer incredible outdoor experiences, cities that are experiencing a cultural rebirth, and up-and-coming destinations that offer great deals and few tourists. London, England Since Kate Middleton gave birth to Prince George Alexander Louis last week , England has been in the national spotlight, and is expecting a tourism boost. But that's not the only reason to visit the UK right now. The 2012 Summer Olympics in London came and went, but many of the buildings, restaurants, hotels and venues that sprouted up to accommodate the hundreds of thousands of visitors who came for the Olympics still stand. Several new building...

50 life lessons you can still learn now that your young.....

You’re stronger than you think you are. Mistakes teach you important lessons. Every time you make one, you’re one step closer to your goal. There is nothing to hold you back except you. You can press forward long after you can’t. It’s a matter of wanting it bad enough. No matter how much progress you make there will always be the people who insist that whatever you’re trying to do is impossible. You are limited only by your own imagination. Let it fly. Perception is reality. Your instincts can be trusted. There is only one question to ask yourself: “What would you do if you were not afraid?” It’s often hard to tell just how close you are to success. The only mistake that can truly hurt you is choosing to do nothing simply because you’re too scared to make a mistake. Never let success get to your head, and never let failure get to your heart. You have to fight through some bad days to earn the best days of your life. Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how ...

HELLO

Search This Blog