The US State Department is known for issuing travel advisories to its citizens on a regular basis. While I understand the need for this and appreciate the rationale behind it, I am also iffy about their warnings, especially when it comes to The Philippines. I guess it’s because I am a local and I feel that I know more about the safety here than they do.
Anyway, I just read that the State Department has lifted the travel warning it issued on Syria. The New York Times reports:
The United States has lifted an advisory that warned American travelers about security concerns in Syria, officials said Saturday, as Washington tries to thaw relations with the Syrians, who are seen as crucial to peace in the region.
Syria’s foreign minister, Walid al-Moallem, welcomed the decision and said “both sides will start taking practical steps” to improve relations.
“We are willing to see a real development in these relations, and from our side we will do what we have to,” Mr. Moallem said. He did not specify what steps Syria would take.
Syria remains on a United States list of countries supporting terrorism, a designation made in 1979 because of suspicions that Syria collaborates with Iran to supply munitions to radical Islamist groups.
I do not know anyone who has plans to travel to Syria right now but in case any of you have been wanting to visit the place, then it might be a good time to consider it. You never know if/when another warning will be issued.