Here's a BIG heads up for any fans planning a trip to Tunisia to tour set locations from Star Wars.

"Hey guys, TK409 here.
Just a note for those Star Wars fans planning a trip to Tunisia.
I was personally scheduled to be there this weekend to make an appearance as C-3PO at the Mos Espa location (which would have been a really neat story), but decided to cancel due to the events of March 13.

In February 2008, Al Qaeda North Africa abducted 2 Austrian tourists from Matmata (location of the Skywalker sunken courtyard) and just last Thursday claimed responsibility. Their demand is for Tunisia to release all Al Qaeda prisoners or the tourists would be murdered. The same day, the US State dept. issued an "extreme caution" warning to American travelers to Tunisia. It is an awful situation for the 2 tourists and Kris Sanders (who was bringing R2) and I chose to stay home.

Here are a few links regarding last week's story:

US State Dept. Travel Alert, March 14
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_2258.html

Al-Qaeda claims Austrian hostages, March 14
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7288436.stm

Austria Says Won't Bow to Al Qaeda Tunisia Demands, March 14
http://www.iht.com/articles/reuters/2008/03/14/europe/OUKWD-UK-QAEDA-HOSTAGES.php

Al-Qaeda Thursday Warns Western Tourists Not To Visit Tunisia, March 13
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080313/wl_afp/algeriatunisiaaustriaqaedaunrest"

Special thanks to Chris B for the heads up!