Here's a funny thing about the middle east: In some of the countries that are "officially" friendly with the U.S., it's more dangerous to be an American, than in some of the countries that are "officially" NOT friendly with the U.S. For instance, Iran, Syria, Lebanon. Up until a year ago, anyway, were very safe. Whereas Saudi Arabia and Yemen, not so much. Even Jordan. Not that Saudi Arabia and Yemen were NOT safe. But less so than the others. Even though it's not in the middle east, same with Pakistan. If you're an American in Pakistan, you gotta be very careful; especially now (even though we're officially on "good" terms with them).