This U.S. State Department's Passport Services and Information site tells you everything that you will need to know about passports. Check out their great overview of trip information on visas, passports, immunizations, insurance and other travel tips . Since a passport agency cannot help you obtain a visa, you should check on Foreign Entry Requirements for visa information and confirm these requirements with U.S. branch of the embassy or consulate also listed on this site.
Political turmoil is a way of life in many parts of the world.
It's a good idea to check the U.S. State Department's Travel Warnings . World Fact Book - 1999 . While it is very cool to get your travel information from the State Department and CIA, it would not be smart to talk about it or bring copies with you overseas. Another place to get your information is from the local newspapers. The Internet Public Library has online versions of newspapers from all over the world.