US to Global Travelers: Beware

If you were planning to travel this month, the Obama administration thinks you should be nervous. The State Department today issued a global travel alert, warning US citizens that "al-Qaeda and affiliated organizations" may be planning to strike "in the period between now and the end of August." The risk is particularly concentrated in the Middle East and North Africa, with attacks "possibly occurring in or emanating from the Arabian Peninsula."

The department recommends that anyone traveling abroad register their plans with it, and check its website for updates. The alert follows the department's decision to close down many of its embassies on Sunday thanks to the threat of attack.