I think it changed. I didn't start donating blood and plasma until right after sept. 11 2001. I wasn't made aware of any restrictions like that.
ASBP: Can I Donate? - General guidelines and restrictions
Iraq, Afghanistan and other malaria-endemic areas, less than 5 consecutive years 12 months deferral upon return
Iraq, Afghanistan and other malaria-endemic areas, more than 5 consecutive years 3 years deferral upon return
England from January 1980 - December 1996 for greater than 3 months (cumulative) Deferred from donating indefinitely
Europe from January 1980 - December 1996 for greater than 6 months (cumulative) Deferred from donating indefinitely
Europe from January 1980 – present for greater than 5 years (cumulative) Deferred from donating indefinitely
North of Seoul, Korea (the 37.7 parallel) for less than 5 years (cumulative) Deferred for 2 years following return
North of Seoul, Korea (the 37.7 parallel) for more than 5 years (cumulative) Deferred for 3 years following return
Kuwait There is no deferral for this travel
Qatar There is no deferral for this travel