China (Country threat level - ): On 9 May 2008 official state media reported that authorities in Beijing have begun to employ new security measures to reduce the threat of terror attacks and other disruptions ahead of the Olympic games. The Chinese military is assisting police officers and civil security forces in guarding important facilities throughout the capital

Transportation security measures include security checkpoints where motorists’ identification will be inspected. Officers will also set up checkpoints at all subway and major bus stations, with higher traffic areas equipped with police dog units and hand-held metal detectors. Local media reports that passengers will be thoroughly checked for liquids and will be asked to drink from any liquid containers they are carrying. Transportation systems will also be examined for the presence of explosives or flammable liquids. Authorities have not described the specific strength of the security deployment; however, previous reports indicate that upward of 100,000 security officials will be stationed in Beijing and the other host cities for the next several months.

Officials have also imposed visa restrictions as part of the increased security measures. Several HotSpots editions in April addressed the increased difficulty in obtaining visas, and on 6 May, the Chinese government admitted to restricting entry into the country. Government officials stated that this was a commonplace action, on an international level, ahead of the Olympic Games. While admitting to certain aspects of visa restrictions, the Chinese government denied reports that the issuing of multiple-entry visas has been suspended; however, authorities did not elaborate. There is no indication as to how long the stringent measures will be in place.

Myanmar (Country threat level - ): Initial reports issued on 9 May 2008 indicate that a severe weather system is headed toward Myanmar. In light of the recent devastating cyclone that hit the country, additional rainfall will likely worsen the situation. Furthermore, the United Nations announced on 9 May a halt to relief efforts, accusing the government of seizing the aid shipments that have reached the country so far. Already reports of waterborne diseases are widespread throughout the delta region, and the 1.5 million people reportedly without shelter could be the hardest hit during the impending rainfall. The Irrawaddy Delta region, which was the hardest hit during Cyclone Nargis, houses more than half of Myanmar's population.

ASI Comment: These new weather developments and the government's unwillingness to facilitate aid to its people are bound to negatively affect the security situation in the country. Reports have already emerged that gangs of thugs are looting stores, creating serious concerns that the situation can quickly spiral out of control.

Italy (Country threat level - ): Transportation workers in major cities throughout Italy staged a four-hour strike on 9 May 2008, causing traffic jams and travel delays. Labor organizers conducted the work stoppage over contract disputes. Bus, tram and commuter train services were affected. However, union leaders stated that service would resume during rush hour and rail links to Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport (LIRF/FCO) would be unaffected to minimize major disruption to travelers. The hours of the strike varied by city, with most taking place between 0900 and 1300 local time (0700 to 1100 UTC). In Rome, the first city to begin the strike, the work stoppage lasted from 0830 to 1230 local time (0630 to 1030 UTC). In Florence, the strike is not set to begin until 1600 local time (1400 UTC), and in Turin, it will be launched at 1745 local time (1545 UTC). Air traffic controllers in Milan were also set to go on strike for four hours beginning at 1200 local time (1000 UTC). The planned work stoppage forced the national airline Alitalia to cancel 96 flights.

Lebanon (Country threat level - ): On 8 May 2008 Hizballah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah held a news conference addressing the current developments. Nasrallah's tone was defiant, as he accused the government of inciting a war against Hizballah. Nasrallah stated that the only way in which the violence can be quelled is for the government to cancel its decision to launch investigations into Hizballah's telecommunications network and its alleged use of secret cameras to monitor activities at Beirut's Rafik Hariri International Airport (OLBA/BEY). Later in the day, ruling coalition leader Saad Hariri also held a press conference in which he called on Hizballah to work with the ruling coalition and to remove its fighters from the streets. Hariri referred to the recent violence as a "misunderstanding" and proposed a deal which implied that the government would back down on its decision to investigate Hizballah's activities. Hizballah rejected the proposal, raising the probability that violence will continue for the short-term at least.

In the most recent developments, much of west Beirut and several other neighborhoods throughout the city are now said to be under the control of Hizballah, as the group seized control of several pro-government strongholds. Hizballah fighters continue to travel through the city largely unopposed. Sectarian violence continued for a third consecutive day on 9 May, and gunfire and explosions from rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) could be heard throughout much of west Beirut. Authorities stated that at least 11 people have been killed in the violence with dozens more injured. Pro-government media outlets have been shut down, as Hizballah-linked gunmen reportedly stormed into broadcast stations and newspaper offices. The Lebanese army has since moved into secure media offices on the condition that they remain off the air. Rafik Hariri International Airport remains closed, as roads leading to it are inaccessible due to fiery roadblocks; it is not known when the facility will reopen. Beirut's seaport remains completely shut down as well, and many major roads and highways throughout Beirut are blocked.

The U.N. Security Council has condemned the violence and pushed for both sides to negotiate an end to the conflict; however, at this point there does not appear to be an immediate end in sight to hostilities. The army remains deployed throughout Beirut, but continues to avoid confrontation with gunmen. According to military sources, the army has maintained control of such areas as the vicinity of the government headquarters, the central bank and the areas where Hariri and Druze leader Walid Jumblatt's homes are located. However, other reports indicate that Hizballah militiamen are making strides near these areas, particularly the areas near the government leaders' residences. Other government officials have left the city and are attempting to organize an emergency meeting in an unnamed mountain town. There have been reports that some residents are fleeing the city to safer areas in the outskirts or elsewhere, and emerging reports indicate that the Italian foreign ministry is in the process of preparing evacuation plans for Italian nationals in Beirut; no further information regarding this, or whether other governments are taking similar measures, is available.

ASI Comment: These developments represent a significant deterioration of the situation in Beirut. Although the government technically remains in office, it appears virtually powerless to confront Hizballah. It remains unknown whether Hizballah will announce an end to its siege of Beirut after demonstrating that it has the capability and strength to overrun pro-government supporters or if the government will be forced to offer Hizballah and the opposition additional concessions in order to restore calm. While it has taken over and shut down pro-government media outlets, Hizballah has not yet attempted to storm major government buildings. At this point, a significant improvement to the security situation is not expected over the next few days at least; all travel to Lebanon should be avoided until further notice. Any persons who are already in Beirut should avoid venturing onto the streets.

Nigeria (Country threat level - ): Unidentified assailants kidnapped three Chinese workers in Cross River state on 9 May 2008. Chinese officials stated that the three workers were taken from a China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation compound in Calabar. No group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping and it is not known if the abductors have made any demands.

SIGNIFICANT DATES

9 May

Russia/CIS: Victory Day (Celebrates defeat of Germany in WW II. Observed in most countries of the former Soviet Union.)

10 May

Mexico: Mothers' Day (Schools close and businesses close for half a day)
Myanmar: Constitutional Referendum (Demonstrations and subsequent government reactions possible)

11 May

Czech Republic: Prague International Marathon to begin at 0900 local time. Parts of Prague 1, 2, 4, 7 and 8 will be closed, and traffic disruptions are likely.
Christianity - Orthodox: Pentecost
Serbia/Kosovo: Serbian parliamentary and local elections (Risk of violence in northern Kosovo)

12 May

Georgia: St. Andrews Day (Public holiday)
China (Hong Kong): Anniversary of the birth of Buddha (Government offices and businesses close.)
South Korea: Anniversary of the birth of Buddha (Government offices and businesses close.)
Vietnam: Anniversary of the birth of Buddha (Government offices and businesses close.)
Buddhism: Birth of Buddha (Chinese Calendar)
Christianity: Whit Monday (Businesses may close early in some countries, including Austria, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, France, Hungary, Netherlands, Germany, France.)

14 May

Cambodia: King Sihamoni's Birthday (Some businesses and government offices close.)
Honduras: 30,000 protesters expected to participate in march against violence in San Pedro Sula (transportation delays likely)
Israel: Anniversary of the creation of the State of Israel (Possibility for violence and overall increase in tensions, especially in the Palestinian territories.)
Liberia: National Unification Day (Public holiday)

15 May

Cambodia: King Sihamoni's Birthday (Some businesses and government offices close.)
Cambodia: T’veer chong komhaeng (National "Hate" Day; marks public anger against Khmer Rouge-led genocide.)
Paraguay: Independence Day (Public holiday)
Christianity: Pentecost (Businesses may close early in some countries, including Austria, Côte d’Ivoire, France, Hungary, Netherlands, Germany, France.)

17 May

Peru: EU-LAC summit in Lima (Demonstrations and transportation disruptions expected)
Democratic Republic Of Congo: National Liberation Day (Public holiday)
Kuwait: Parliamentary elections
Norway: Constitution Day (Full public holiday)
Peru: Anniversary of Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path) rebel group's rebellion (Terrorist attacks may occur in Lima or in other areas of Peru.)

18 May

Haiti: Flag Day/University Day (Public holiday)
Turkmenistan: Constitution Day (Public holiday)

19 May

Cambodia: Visaka Bochea Day (Buddha Day). (Some businesses and government offices close.)
Canada: Victoria Day
Myanmar: Full Moon of Kasone
Thailand: Anniversary of the birth of Buddha (Government offices and businesses close.)
Turkey: Ataturk Commemoration and Youth and Sports Day (Holiday for high school and university students. Offices and businesses function as usual.)

ASI THREAT LEVEL DEFINITIONS

- A minimum threat of physical harm. Petty crime is the most common threat.

- A low threat of physical harm. Petty crime and infrequent demonstrations are the most common threats.

- A medium threat of physical harm. Petty crime and demonstrations are common and violent acts do occur.

- A high threat of physical harm due to violent acts associated with crime, demonstrations or terrorism.

- A very high threat of physical harm due to violent acts associated with crime, terrorism, demonstrations or war.

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