Americans warned to avoid Sydney and Melbourne amid fears of protests

Last Friday, a massive group of Muslims crowded into Sydney, Australia’s Hyde Park to add their voices to the violent protests which began on Sept. 11 and spread throughout the week to as many as 21 countries. Among the most sickening sights: toddlers holding up signs reading, “Behead all those who insult the prophet.”

It looks as though the U.S. consulate is anticipating a repeat performance this weekend and has warned Americans to avoid the central business districts of both Sydney and Melbourne.

I spoke to the US consulate in Sydney. Americans urged to stay away from Martin Pl and Hyde Park Sat & Sun over worries about more violence

— DeborahClay (@DeborahClay) September 20, 2012

American are spreading the word via social media.

https://twitter.com/themattkim/status/248574236548026368

https://twitter.com/aliciamayer/status/248657926661758976

https://twitter.com/NelsonAspen/status/248883897893543936

At least in this instance the warnings were issued ahead of time — the State Department’s tweet warning of protests in Indonesia was issued hours after things had turned violent there. It’s a little late for the Obama administration to be getting a handle on foreign threats, but at least it’s progress.