Costa Rica (Country threat level - ): Porteadores (informal taxi drivers) are planning to stage several go-slow protests in various locations of central San Jose as well as the city’s outlying areas on 10 March 2010 to protest against a new traffic law. The protests -- which will occur between the hours of 0600 and 2200 local time -- will likely cause traffic disruptions around San Jose.

Pakistan (Country threat level - ): On 10 March 2010 militants stormed the offices of World Vision, a U.S.-based Christian NGO, in the Mansehra district, which is located in the North-West Frontier Province approximately 40 mi/65 km north of Islamabad. The militants opened fire and threw grenades. The attack killed at least six people and injured at least six others. Authorities suspect that Taliban militants were involved in the operation. World Vision suspended its operations in Pakistan as a result of the attack.

Thailand (Country threat level - ): The Transport Ministry announced on 10 March 2010 that alternate routes have been created for transport to and from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (VTBS/BKK) and Don Muang Airport (VTBD/DMK) in case the main routes become blocked during the opposition rallies scheduled to take place on 12-14 March; the announcement did not identify the alternate routes. Security officers have also been deployed to guard state property and ensure the public's safety. Public transportation providers, including bus and taxi operators, have been advised to change their routes during the protest actions to avoid being attacked by protesters.

Meanwhile the deputy prime minister announced that more than 40 companies of police officers will be deployed to man the numerous checkpoints that have been set up both in Bangkok and neighboring provinces and stated that the checkpoints will be strictly enforced.

Italy (Country threat level - ): A nationwide general strike is scheduled to take place on 12 March 2010 and is expected to impact transportation throughout Italy, including rail, air and local transport. The CGIL labor union called for the strike over issues related to labor, taxation and immigration. Each transport sector strike will last for four hours, but strikes in some other sectors may last for the entire day. Airport personnel are expected to strike from 1000 to 1400 local time. Workers with Italy's primary rail operator, Trenitalia, will strike from 1400 to 1800 local time. Local transport workers will stage four-hour strikes at various times, depending on the location. In Rome, the local transport strike will take place from 0930 to 1330 local time. Other public services not related to transportation will also likely be affected, and demonstrations and public protests related to the strike may cause disruptions as well.

Nigeria (Country threat level - ): On 9 March 2010 soldiers patrolling in Jos, Plateau state, opened fire on a crowd of residents who were out in the city after curfew. Reports indicate that the incident started when a group of residents attempted to block a truck from entering the city after curfew, fearing that it was carrying fighters or weapons. When soldiers arrived on the scene, they asked the residents to disperse, and opened fire on them when they refused to do so. At least two people were killed and several others were wounded. Authorities later found the truck to be carrying only cattle and baskets, but the residents have accused the soldiers of failing to provide adequate security, which likely prompted the residents to take the action they did. Tensions remain high in Jos after as many as 500 people were killed on 6 March when Muslim Fulani herdsman attacked Christian residents in three villages outside of Jos.

South Africa (Country threat level - ): On 10 March 2010 approximately 1,000 Soweto residents barricaded roads in the Johannesburg township to protest poor service delivery and demand improved housing conditions. The protesters reportedly used large rocks to block several roads, but the participants later dispersed peacefully when authorities requested them to do so.

ASI Comment: The protest was the latest in a series of demonstrations over poor service delivery in South Africa, which come as the country prepares to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup in June-July. Protests have occurred in townships throughout the country, including in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria, which are three of the nine South African cities that will host World Cup matches. Although the 10 March protest in Soweto was peaceful, many past demonstrations have featured violence, prompting anti-riot police officers to fire tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets to disperse crowds. The protests have thus far been concentrated on the cities’ outskirts and have not affected city centers, but some protesters have threatened to disrupt World Cup matches unless President Jacob Zuma addresses their concerns.

SIGNIFICANT DATES

11 March

Chile: Anniversary of Return of Civil Government (1990) (Public demonstrations and/or rallies likely.)
Greece: Nationwide general strike planned
Lesotho: Moshoeshoe's Day (Public holiday with festivities; everything closes.)
Lithuania: Restoration of Lithuania's Independence (Public holiday)
Spain: Anniversary of 2004 terrorist attack on Madrid's public transportation network

12 March

Gabon: Renovation Day (Anniversary of the foundation of the Parti démocratique gabonais; public holiday.)
Italy: Nationwide general transportation strike
Mauritius: Independence/Republic Day (Public holiday)
Turkey: Kemal Ataturk's Birthday (Not an official holiday, but some stores close and some outdoor celebrations are organized.)
Zambia: Youth Day

15 March

Belarus: Constitution Day (Adopted in 1994. Public holiday; offices, shops and businesses close.)
Hungary: Revolution Day (Commemorates attempt to gain independence from Habsburg Empire in 1848. Offices and businesses close. Outdoor celebrations organized; the largest will be in front of the National Museum in Budapest.)
Liberia: Birthday of national figure J.J. Roberts (Public holiday)

16 March

Greece: Nationwide general strike planned
Indonesia (Bali): Nyepi, the Hindu Day of Silence (Bali's ports, including the airport, will not operate for 24 hours. In addition, most offices and businesses, excluding hotels, will close.)
Latvia: Legion memorial day (Commemorates Latvian veterans of the Waffen-SS; violent demonstrations in Riga and other cities possible.)

17 March

Argentina: Anniversary of the 1992 bombing of the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires (Demonstrations may occur.)
Ireland: St. Patrick's Day (Public holiday; parades held in Dublin and other cities.)
United States: St. Patrick's Day (Parades may cause disruptions in various cities.)

18 March

Aruba: Aruba Day (Public holiday; businesses close.)

19 March

Colombia: Día de San José (St. Joseph’s Day)(Public holiday)
Costa Rica: Feast of St. Joseph (San Jose only. Celebration of Catholic saint. Businesses, but not banks, close.)
Malta: Feast of St. Joseph (Public holiday)
Spain: Feast of San Jose (Public holiday)
Worldwide: Anniversary of the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom (Anti-war protests possible worldwide. Iraq may experience an increase in attacks around this date.)

20 March

Tunisia: Independence Day (Public holiday; most offices and businesses close. Travel disruptions may occur in Tunis.)
Worldwide: Nowruz (Persian New Year)

ASI THREAT LEVEL DEFINITIONS

1 - Security issues rarely affect individuals or organizations. These locations have an extremely low rate of violent crime.

2 - Locations may have several low-level security issues, but these generally have minimal physical impact on individuals and organizations.

3 - Incidents of violent crime, terrorism and/or extremist activity occur more frequently, but are still sporadic.

4 - Incidents such as armed robbery, carjacking, civil unrest, terrorism and/or extremist activity can occur frequently, and there is a greater risk that security issues could physically impact individuals and organizations.

5 - Locations can be affected by rampant violent crime, volatile situations of civil unrest, frequent terrorist extremist attacks and/or open military conflict.

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