The U.S. State Department announced Oct. 2 that “symbols of American capitalism” in Italy may be the targets of terrorist acts in the next month. Such “symbols” could include hotels, banks, airline offices, restaurants or other businesses. There was no further elaboration nor was the source revealed. For travelers, there is little to do beyond remaining aware of this warning and being alert to your surroundings. Perhaps related to the threat is the knowledge that the deposed king of Afghanistan has lived in exile in Italy for almost 30 years and is due to meet leaders of the Northern Alliance, a force fighting the Taliban, before the end of October to plan a new government for Afghanistan.
