Sydney Riots Bring Police Pressure

Australia, long time low key traveler's favorite, has recently seen ethnic rioting erupt in Sydney with young people and students in the spotlight. About's Guide to Australia, Larry Rivera, says Sydney beaches are safe despite riots and violence of the last few days, but ABC News reports that New South Wales police are bracing for riot activity now; police will be prepared to "lock down" suburbs to keep rioters out if neccesary. Australia has, at times, struggled with a racist image; ABC News today quotes Prime Minister John Howard as saying, "Every country has incidents that don't play well overseas."

New South Wales premier Morris Iemma called rioting youth "ratbags" after eight people were injured, according to MSNBC.com. The Adelaide Advertiser reports that Sydney's tension has spread to Perth and Adelaide, where a family of Middle Eastern descent and a Lebanese cab driver were attacked, respectively.

Australian news sources report that North Cronullo's surf carnival has been cancelled because of travel safety concerns. As always, travel with care.

Quite a picture in USA Today.