Countries warn about going to U.S.

CARACAS, VENEZUELA » The United States often takes a leading role in calling out the world’s most dangerous places, warning its people about the risks of traveling to countries that are at war, under terrorist threats, experiencing civil unrest or displaying significant antiAmerican sentiment.

The latest mass shootings have triggered a role reversal, with three countries warning their citizens about the risks of traveling to the U. S. Venezuela, Uruguay and Japan issued warnings to varying degrees after the deaths of 31 people over the weekend in Dayton, Ohio, and El Paso, Texas. Each warning noted U. S. gun violence, and at least one was laced with a dose of political payback.

Without directly naming President Donald Trump, the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro blamed the surge in violence on speeches emanating from Washington that are “impregnated with racial discrimination and hatred against immigrants.” It urges Venezuelans to postpone U.S. trips.

The socialist Maduro is ruling over the worst economic crisis in Venezuelan history amid an escalating political battle with the White House, which backs opposition leader Juan Guaidó’s bid to oust him.

Travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt said Venezuela’s warning came off more like a “political jab” than a genuine concern for its citizens’ safety. It came hours before Trump signed an executive order that hit Maduro’s government with yet another round of punishing financial sanctions designed to end his rule.

“Venezuela certainly has more than a little political motivation to issue its advisory,” said Harteveldt, president of San Franciscobased Atmosphere Research Group. “I think people will see there’s a tit-fortat going on.”

Countries such as Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands have not issued new warnings in recent days, but they have longstanding advisories for travelers of mass shootings and gun violence. The State Department is obligated to inform the public about potential threats under a “no double standard” rule that calls for such information to be shared equally with government employees as well as the public.