The U.S. State Department has reissued its public announcements warning of possible terrorist attacks worldwide and specifically in the Middle East and North Africa. These cautions have been in effect continuously in recent years and urge Americans to maintain a “high level of vigilance.” Al Qaeda and its associated organizations have staged attacks in Spain and the Persian Gulf region in past months, and further incidents are possible. These groups do not distinguish between official and civilian targets and places at risk could be restaurants, hotels, places of worship or other areas popular with foreigners.