HOTSPOTS 1/31/11 - The Winds of 2011

 



AMERICAS

Venezuela (Security threat level - 4): On 30 January 2011 a series of powerful explosions occurred at a military arms depot in Maracay, located approximately 60 mi/100 km west of Caracas. At least one person was killed and approximately 10,000 residents were forced to flee their homes as authorities and fire crews worked to contain the aftermath of the incident. As of 31 January reports indicate that the situation has been brought mostly under control, but authorities continue to advise residents not to return to their homes. The cause of the explosions remains unknown at this time; authorities have not ruled out sabotage.

http://www.boston.com/news/world/latinamerica/articles/2011/01/31/fire_sets_off_venezuelan_arms_depot_explosion/

Note: I vote for sabotage 

ASIA

Bangladesh (Security threat level - 4): On 31 January 2011 thousands of demonstrators gathered in Munshiganj district on the outskirts of Dhaka to protest the planned construction of a new international airport in this location, which residents claim is unnecessary. The demonstration quickly turned violent, with protesters setting fire to a police camp and barricading roads near the proposed airport site. Police responded with teargas and rubber bullets in an attempt to disperse the protesters. At least one police officer was killed and 50 officers and protesters were injured. Further protests are likely in the coming days and weeks, as officials have insisted that the planned construction of the new airport will go ahead.

 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12325667

Note: Plunge the Stock market AND destroy small farmers with a NWO airport 

Japan (Security threat level - 2): On 31 January 2011 Japanese authorities urged more than 1,000 residents on the southern island of Kyushu to evacuate following the eruption of Shinmoedake volcano. The evacuation, which is not yet mandatory, primarily affects residents of the town of Takaharu. The eruption shattered some windows in buildings located near the volcano, and authorities have expanded the no-access zone to 2 mi/3 km from the peak. It is uncertain at this time how long the eruption is likely to last.

 

There will be a Japanese volcano eruption in the southern region. I am predicting Unzen or if the lords are merciful Iwo Jima.

 

 http://cotocrew.wordpress.com/2011/01/02/the-winds-of-2011/

  

AUSTRALASIA

Australia (Security threat level - 2): Tropical Cyclone Yasi, currently a category one storm, is forecast to make landfall late on 2 February or early on 3 February as a severe category four cyclone. Current models indicate that the storm will likely make landfall near Townsville, located approximately 210 mi/340 km south of Cairns. The storm has the potential to exacerbate flooding in the region.

Yes they need the rain  

EUROPE

Greece (Security threat level - 2): Public transportation unions in Athens have announced new strikes beginning on 31 January 2011 to protest government plans to reform the sector. Metro (subway) employees were scheduled to stage a 24-hour work stoppage on 31 January. Bus personnel were to observe a four-hour strike on 31 January and a 48-hour strike beginning on 1 February. The unions were scheduled to meet on 31 January to decide on further labor actions; no information is available on whether that meeting has yet taken place. There have been at least five public transportation strikes since December 2010 against the government's reform plans. 

Switzerland (Security threat level - 2): On 29 January 2011 approximately 200 demonstrators held a march in Davos against the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting (the meeting concluded on 30 January). Protesters gathered near the downtown railway station and marched along the main conference avenue. The demonstration lasted approximately two hours. Although the action began peacefully, violence broke out later in the day when a smaller group of protesters began to throw bottles at police officers, who responded by firing water canons and rubber bullets. The violence was centered around the main train station, and the meeting itself was not impacted. Meanwhile, a protest involving several hundred people also took place in St. Gallen. The protesters threw bottles and drew graffiti on some storefronts, but no major violence was reported.

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

Egypt (Security threat level - 3): Egypt has experienced a high degree of unrest over the past several days, including ongoing anti-government demonstrations and instances of looting in several locations. As of 31 January 2011, protests continue to take place in Cairo and other locations such as Alexandria and Suez; these locations have experienced the majority of unrest. The military remains deployed in these locations and others, and much of the police force -- which had essentially disappeared off the streets on 28-29 January -- returned to the streets on 31 January. It is unclear what impact this presence is having on the security situation that markedly deteriorated late on 28 January. Traffic police are also back on the streets, and some degree of normalization in traffic flows is being reported. Incidents of looting have occurred since 28 January in at least Cairo and Alexandria, forcing many neighborhoods in these cities to form watch groups/vigilante groups; local residents erected barricades and checked identities of those seeking to enter their areas in an effort to maintain security in the absence of security forces. In addition to attacking facilities belonging to the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP), many businesses belonging to high-profile businessmen with close ties to the NDP were looted or destroyed. Neighborhoods where foreign expatriates work and reside were also affected by looters, though expatriates were not specifically targeted but rather were impacted because the areas were upscale and provided greater profitability for the criminals.

Taking advantage of the absence of security forces, thousands of prisoners reportedly escaped from at least four prisons in and around Cairo. Among the prisoners were Islamist militants, including some who had allegedly plotted attacks against Israel. Reports stated that some of the escapees were able to travel from Cairo to Rafah, the north Sinai town that borders the Gaza Strip. In an effort to prevent other elements from escaping back to Gaza, Egypt has closed its shared border for the time being. The escape of criminals, including militants, raises its own concerns for both the near and long-term security environments. 

International airports continue to operate, though long lines have been reported at departure halls, especially at Cairo International Airport (HECA/CAI). The U.S. government, which has altered its travel advice to advise against travel to the country and to depart if safe to do so, has organized charter flights on 31 January for the departure of non-essential staff and any U.S. citizens who want to leave. Other Western governments are also advising against travel to Egypt at this time. Military forces continue to maintain security cordons around airports as well as main thoroughfares leading to these facilities.

The military also remains heavily deployed in central Cairo, particularly around Tahrir Square, which has been the epicenter for the past several days of protests in the capital. The military is also heavily deployed in Alexandria and central Suez. There have been conflicting reports regarding whether the military is deployed in the Red Sea resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh (and whether Mubarak is currently holed up in his residence there), but the town and other nearby resort towns in the southern Sinai Peninsula have not been affected by the unrest that is impacting other locations in the country. Many tourists continue to visit these areas, according to reports.

Meanwhile, massive protests are reportedly being planned for 1 February; various activists and movements are coordinating the protest actions in their continued effort to oust embattled President Hosni Mubarak. The military is preparing for the forthcoming protests and has been erecting concrete barricades in central Cairo to better restrict the flow of traffic and pedestrians. There is a potential for clashes, depending on whether security forces engage protesters or simply monitor demonstrations, as has occurred in recent days.

Celebrity deaths will be numerous. A long time Vegas entertainer, a media mogul and an Arab statesman will hilight this group

http://cotocrew.wordpress.com/2011/01/02/the-winds-of-2011/

Mubarak has thus far resisted calls for his resignation, and his efforts to placate the protesters have thus far failed to resonate. His efforts have been limited to dissolving his Cabinet and appointing a new one on 31 January (which still includes many members of the former Cabinet). Mubarak also appointed a vice president, a position that has been vacant since Mubarak came to power in the early 1980s. Omar Suleiman, the intelligence chief, was named to the position, which, under the constitution, takes power if the president steps down or becomes incapacitated. Mubarak has also pledged some reforms.

Protesters have shown no indication of ending their anti-government actions until Mubarak resigns his position, and thus far Mubarak continues to defy these calls. Mubarak's position is becoming increasingly tenuous, and absent his resignation protest actions are likely to continue, particularly as protesters have been emboldened by the recent uprising in Tunisia. There is a feeling of insecurity, and many Egyptians are continuing to stock up on bottled water and other foodstuffs due to concerns that the current situation will persist or deteriorate further; some food shortages are already been reported. The situation in the country remains fluid and is subject to further rapid change, and Egypt will likely face a period of prolonged recovery, both politically and economically. The recent events in Egypt are unprecedented in its recent history, and will long have major implications for its future as well as for that of the region.


SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Gabon (Security threat level - 3): On 29 January 2011 security forces clashed with political opposition supporters in Libreville, the capital. Reports indicate that approximately 5,000 people participated in the demonstration. Anti-riot police officers fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, and at least 20 people were injured in the unrest. The demonstration was the second to take place in Libreville after opposition leader Andre Mba Obame declared himself president on 25 January. Mba Obame is urging his supporters to use the recent uprising in Tunisia as an example to oust President Ali Ben Bongo and Gabon’s current government.

 

Nigeria (Security threat level - 5): Violence between Muslim and Christian residents took place across northern Nigeria over the 28-30 January 2011 weekend. In Jos, Plateau state, violence broke out on 28 January when Muslim youths reportedly attacked a Christian funeral procession. Rioters set fire to churches, mosques, gas stations, houses and shops in the ensuing violence. In response to the unrest, authorities deployed reinforcements and helicopters to the area to conduct “aggressive patrols.” An unconfirmed number of people were killed in the violence in Jos. Also in Jos on 29 January, soldiers opened fire on university students who were protesting ongoing violence in the region. The soldiers opened fire on the crowd when the students refused to return to campus. At least five people were killed in this incident.

 

Meanwhile in Bauchi state, which is located just north of Plateau state, authorities foiled an attempted bomb attack at the United Methodist Church in the state capital on 30 January. Reports indicate that an unidentified individual brought the explosive device into the church during Sunday services. Worshippers became suspicious when the suspect left the church without his bag. Worshippers tipped off police officers, and a bomb disposal unit was able to detonate the explosive device safely. The attempted bombing comes after clashes between Muslim and Christian residents left as many as 20 people dead in the Tafawa Balewa district of the state from 27-28 January. The violence prompted authorities to impose a curfew in the region in an effort to prevent spillover violence.

In Maiduguri, Borno state, at least two police officers were killed during a shootout at a checkpoint on 30 January. On 28 January gunmen shot and killed a local politician in Maiduguri. The victim was slated to be the opposition All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) candidate in Nigeria’s upcoming state gubernatorial election. Reports indicate that gunmen on motorcycles attacked the politician and other individuals as they were leaving a local mosque following Friday prayers. The incident prompted store owners in the area to close their businesses, as authorities cordoned off the crime scene. Authorities suspect that Boko Haram sect members perpetrated both attacks.

 

Rwanda (Security threat level - 4): Unidentified assailants attacked a bus terminal in Kigali with a grenade on 28 January 2011. Reports indicate that the attack took place in Giporosa, Remena, a suburb of Kigali, during rush hour at approximately 1900 local time. At least two people were killed and 28 others were injured in the attack. Authorities have arrested four people in connection with the incident. The motive for the attack remains unknown. Four sets of grenade attacks targeted various locations in Kigali from February-August 2010. Authorities believe that those attacks were politically motivated, as they took place during the lead up to and in the immediate aftermath of Rwanda’s August 2010 presidential election. However, no group ever claimed responsibility for any of the four incidents.

Sudan (Security threat level - 4): On 30 January 2011 approximately 100 students in Khartoum staged a demonstration to demand that the government resign. Security forces fired tear gas and arrested several students at two universities in the city; at least one student has died of injuries reportedly sustained in clashes with police. The protests were organized using social networking sites and were allegedly inspired by protests in Egypt and Tunisia. Several major universities in Khartoum remained closed as of 31 January to prevent further protests. WORLD

Worldwide: Protests related to the ongoing crisis in Egypt continued in cit

In Europe, protests have been held outside Egyptian diplomatic missions in London, Ankara, Madrid, Paris and Berlin. In Asia, small-scale protests were held outside the Egyptian embassies in Kuala Lumpur, New Delhi, Jakarta, Canberra and Tokyo. In the Middle East and North Africa, demonstrations have been held in Ramallah, Sanaa, Tel Aviv, Beirut, Algiers, Bejaia and Tunis. Violence has not been reported at these protests; however, a group of student activists briefly took over the Egyptian Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, on 28 January. The protesters later exited the building peacefully after speaking with the Venezuelan foreign minister. Members of the Egyptian community also gathered in Washington, D.C., New York, Montreal and Ottawa for protests related to the crisis.

Analyst comment: The ongoing political crisis in Egypt will likely spark further protests at Egyptian diplomatic missions in the short term. Travelers throughout the world should exercise caution in and around Egyptian embassies and other buildings associated with the Egyptian community.

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Gabon (Security threat level - 3): On 29 January 2011 security forces clashed with political opposition supporters in Libreville, the capital. Reports indicate that approximately 5,000 people participated in the demonstration. Anti-riot police officers fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, and at least 20 people were injured in the unrest. The demonstration was the second to take place in Libreville after opposition leader Andre Mba Obame declared himself president on 25 January. Mba Obame is urging his supporters to use the recent uprising in Tunisia as an example to oust President Ali Ben Bongo and Gabon’s current government.

 

Nigeria (Security threat level - 5): Violence between Muslim and Christian residents took place across northern Nigeria over the 28-30 January 2011 weekend. In Jos, Plateau state, violence broke out on 28 January when Muslim youths reportedly attacked a Christian funeral procession. Rioters set fire to churches, mosques, gas stations, houses and shops in the ensuing violence. In response to the unrest, authorities deployed reinforcements and helicopters to the area to conduct “aggressive patrols.” An unconfirmed number of people were killed in the violence in Jos. Also in Jos on 29 January, soldiers opened fire on university students who were protesting ongoing violence in the region. The soldiers opened fire on the crowd when the students refused to return to campus. At least five people were killed in this incident.

Meanwhile in Bauchi state, which is located just north of Plateau state, authorities foiled an attempted bomb attack at the United Methodist Church in the state capital on 30 January. Reports indicate that an unidentified individual brought the explosive device into the church during Sunday services. Worshippers became suspicious when the suspect left the church without his bag. Worshippers tipped off police officers, and a bomb disposal unit was able to detonate the explosive device safely. The attempted bombing comes after clashes between Muslim and Christian residents left as many as 20 people dead in the Tafawa Balewa district of the state from 27-28 January. The violence prompted authorities to impose a curfew in the region in an effort to prevent spillover violence.

In Maiduguri, Borno state, at least two police officers were killed during a shootout at a checkpoint on 30 January. On 28 January gunmen shot and killed a local politician in Maiduguri. The victim was slated to be the opposition All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) candidate in Nigeria’s upcoming state gubernatorial election. Reports indicate that gunmen on motorcycles attacked the politician and other individuals as they were leaving a local mosque following Friday prayers. The incident prompted store owners in the area to close their businesses, as authorities cordoned off the crime scene. Authorities suspect that Boko Haram sect members perpetrated both attacks.

Rwanda (Security threat level - 4): Unidentified assailants attacked a bus terminal in Kigali with a grenade on 28 January 2011. Reports indicate that the attack took place in Giporosa, Remena, a suburb of Kigali, during rush hour at approximately 1900 local time. At least two people were killed and 28 others were injured in the attack. Authorities have arrested four people in connection with the incident. The motive for the attack remains unknown. Four sets of grenade attacks targeted various locations in Kigali from February-August 2010. Authorities believe that those attacks were politically motivated, as they took place during the lead up to and in the immediate aftermath of Rwanda’s August 2010 presidential election. However, no group ever claimed responsibility for any of the four incidents.


Sudan (Security threat level - 4): On 30 January 2011 approximately 100 students in Khartoum staged a demonstration to demand that the government resign. Security forces fired tear gas and arrested several students at two universities in the city; at least one student has died of injuries reportedly sustained in clashes with police. The protests were organized using social networking sites and were allegedly inspired by protests in Egypt and Tunisia. Several major universities in Khartoum remained closed as of 31 January to prevent further protests.

 

http://cotocrew.wordpress.com/2011/01/02/the-winds-of-2011/

 

Civil wars will increase from Sierra Leone to Kenya and unspeakable and unreported death will occur in blood sacrifices and ethnic genocide.

SIGNIFICANT DATES 

31 January

Russia: Opposition rallies planned at Moscow's Triumfalnaya Square (police violence is possible, as one of the actions is unsanctioned)

 

 1 February

Iran: 11 Days of Dawn (Commemoration of the 1979 revolution; rallies and celebrations likely. Opposition rallies possible as well.)
Malaysia: Federal Territory Day (Only observed in Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur and Labuan)

  

2 February

Iran: 11 Days of Dawn (Commemoration of the 1979 revolution; rallies and celebrations likely. Opposition rallies possible as well.)
Brazil: Fiesta de Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes Porto Alegre. (Some businesses close. Most shopping centers, restaurants and clubs remain open.)
South Korea: Sollal (Lunar New Year) Public and Bank Holiday - Government and business offices closed.
Vietnam: Tet Eve (Vietnamese Lunar New Years)

 

 

3 February

Iran: 11 Days of Dawn (Commemoration of the 1979 revolution; rallies and celebrations likely. Opposition rallies possible as well.)
South Korea: Sollal (Lunar New Year) Public and Bank Holiday - Government and business offices closed.
China: New Year (Businesses and government offices closed. Public parades and celebrations may affect transportation.)
Paraguay: San Blas Day (Patron Saint of Paraguay - Celebrations in Itá)
Paraguay: Anniversary of the end of Alfredo Stroessner's dictatorship (Demonstrations may occur.)
Taiwan: Lunar New Year (Public and bank holiday; Government and business offices closed. Potential transportation delays possible.)
Worldwide: Lunar New Year (Chinese communities in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and other countries. Observed as Tet in Vietnam, Lunar New Year in Mongolia and Seol-Nal in Koreas. Businesses and government offices closed in various countries. Public parades and celebrations may affect transportation throughout Asia.)

 

 

4 February

Iran: 11 Days of Dawn (Commemoration of the 1979 revolution; rallies and celebrations likely. Opposition rallies possible as well.)
South Korea: Sollal (Lunar New Year) Public and Bank Holiday - Government and business offices closed.
Taiwan: Lunar New Year (Public and bank holiday; Government and business offices closed. Potential transportation delays possible.)
Sri Lanka: Independence Day (1948) (Violence possible. Visitors should keep as low a profile as possible.)
Venezuela: Anniversary of 1992 failed coup by Hugo Chávez (Demonstrations may occur among Chávez supporters celebrating the date and among his opponents who denounce the celebrations.) 

 

5 February

Iran: 11 Days of Dawn (Commemoration of the 1979 revolution; rallies and celebrations likely. Opposition rallies possible as well.)
Taiwan: Lunar New Year (Public and bank holiday; Government and business offices closed. Potential transportation delays possible.)
Burundi: Unity Day (Public holiday. Banks and offices may be closed.)
Colombia: ELN Guerrilla Group Founded in 1958
Mexico: Anniversary of the Constitution (Established in 1917. Government offices and most schools close. Public gatherings are likely.)
Tanzania: Chama Cha Mapinduzi Day (Founding of the Tanzanian ruling party. Low-level political violence may occur.) 

 

6 February

Iran: 11 Days of Dawn (Commemoration of the 1979 revolution; rallies and celebrations likely. Opposition rallies possible as well.)
Taiwan: Lunar New Year (Public and bank holiday; Government and business offices closed. Potential transportation delays possible.)
Italy: Venice Carnival
New Zealand: Waitangi Day (National Day) (Government offices and businesses close.)

  

8 February

Iran: 11 Days of Dawn (Commemoration of the 1979 revolution; rallies and celebrations likely. Opposition rallies possible as well.)
Taiwan: Lunar New Year (Public and bank holiday; Government and business offices closed. Potential transportation delays possible.)
Italy: Venice Carnival
India: Vasanta Panchami (Advent of spring). Sirapanchami (Bank holiday in Orissa) and Sarasvati Puja (Bank holiday in Bengal.)

 

 10 February

Iran: 11 Days of Dawn (Commemoration of the 1979 revolution; rallies and celebrations likely. Opposition rallies possible as well.)
Taiwan: Lunar New Year (Public and bank holiday; Government and business offices closed. Potential transportation delays possible.)
Italy: Venice Carnival
Malta: The Feast of St. Paul's Shipwreck (Commemorates the shipwreck of St. Paul on Malta in 60 AD; Public holiday)

 

ies throughout the world on 31 January 2011. Members of the Egyptian expatriate community have gathered outside diplomatic missions in many capital cities to call on President Hosni Mubarak to step down amid the mass political protests in Cairo.