Note: The following text is a quote: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3835.html Travel Alert U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Bureau of Consular Affairs This information is current as of today, Wed Dec 10 2008 14:45:20 GMT-0800 (PST). Mali December 10, 2008 Travel Alert is being issued to warn U.S. citizens of security concerns in Mali. This replaces the Travel Alert for Mali issued on February 12, 2008, expires on March 31, 2009, updates information on security incidents and areas of concern, including Essakane, and strongly urges U.S. citizens against travel to northern Mali. Due to recent armed conflicts, kidnappings, armed robberies, and the continued presence...