The United States has designated Lebanon as
unsafe for Americans.
Officials said the State Department has concluded that despite the
Syrian withdrawal, Lebanon was still dangerous for American visitors. They
said Lebanese authorities have failed to impose control over large parts of
the
country, including Beirut.
Since April, Beirut has been rocked by a series of bombings. Most of the
attacks appeared to target Christian neighborhoods or politicians who
opposed the Syrian occupation, Middle East Newsline reported.
On Aug. 3, U.S. ambassador Jeffrey Feltman said the State Department
would maintain its restrictions on the entry of U.S. nationals in Lebanon. Feltman
said
Lebanon continued to pose a security risk.
Officials said the new Lebanese government of Prime Minister Fuad
Siniora has urged Washington to lift the U.S. travel ban. Lebanese Tourism
Minister Joseph Sarkis said the lifting of such a ban would encourage
tourism from other Western countries.
On Aug. 2, the State Department issued an updated worldwide caution on
terrorism that warned of attacks against Americans abroad. The warning did
not list countries.
"Ongoing events in Iraq have resulted in demonstrations and associated
violence in several countries; such events are likely to continue for the
foreseeable future," the statement said. "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."