Subject: FW: Alert: Ramadan July 9-Aug. 7 - Asia
From: David Rolph <[email-masked]>
To: All Staff International <[email-masked]>
Date: Fri, 28 Jun 2013 12:47:03 +0000

All,

As you will note in the iJet Alert forwarded below, Ramadan will be observed in Muslim communities throughout Asia and, with minor variations of beginning/end dates, in Africa and the Middle East in July/August.  This may cause business disruptions/transportation and, in some cases possible instances of unrest and violence.  Please make your travel plans accordingly.

Regards,

David

David Rolph

Director of Global Security

Abt Associates

301-347-5684 (Office)

703-244-3672 (Cell)

Worldcue® Alert
Severity: Warning Alert

Security: Ramadan observed throughout Asia July 9-Aug. 7. Plan for Eid al-Fitr travel delays. Security disturbances and increased militancy possible in certain areas.

The locations affected by this alert are:

Afghanistan

Bangladesh

Brunei Darussalam

Cambodia

Hong Kong SAR

India

Pakistan

Singapore

Sri Lanka

Thailand

Maldives

Malaysia

Indonesia

Philippines

Kunming

Xian

Urumqi

This alert began 27 Jun 2013 17:02 GMT and is scheduled to expire 10 Aug 2013 23:59 GMT.

Summary
Muslims throughout Asia will observe Ramadan, Islam's holiest month, July 9-Aug. 7. Ramadan begins with the first sighting of the crescent moon; the start and end dates may vary by 1-2 days depending on the findings of local Islamic authorities. Some government and business offices may alter operating hours in predominantly Muslim countries. Ramadan should have the most significant effects on business in Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Maldives, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam.

Eid Al-Fitr (Feast of Breaking the Fast) occurs at the end of Ramadan (Aug. 8-9). Celebrations may last 1-7 days. Businesses, government offices, foreign embassies, banks, and schools will close for Eid al-Fitr in many countries. Significant air, road, rail, and maritime travel disruptions can occur before and after the holiday.

Expect increased security in crowded areas such as transport centers and places of worship. Sectarian problems between Muslims and Hindus are possible in India. Beef is in high demand during Ramadan, and illegal cow slaughter has raised communal tensions and led to clashes in certain areas in the past. An upsurge in militancy is possible in areas with active insurgencies, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, southern Thailand, and Muslim-populated areas of the southern Philippines. Security problems could also occur in western China, especially if authorities prohibit or tightly restrict religious observances in Uighur Muslim-populated areas. Hard-line Muslims may try to forcibly close restaurants, nightclubs, and other businesses that violate Ramadan ordinances and promote activity they deem to be "un-Islamic." This can lead to violence and has been a problem in the past, mainly in Indonesia, Pakistan, and southern Thailand. Although street crime may decrease in many areas during Ramadan, a spike in theft, burglary, and other crimes of opportunity is possible at the end of the month since commercial activity peaks, many people leave their homes to visit family, and people generally carry and spend more money ahead of the Eid al-Fitr holiday.

Potential Terrorism and/or Sectarian Problem Areas

Afghanistan

Pakistan

India: Jammu & Kashmir, Delhi, Mumbai, Mangalore, Uttar Pradesh

Thailand: Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, Songkhla

Indonesia: Jakarta, Maluku, Central Sulawesi

Philippines: Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Cotabato City, Zamboanga City

China: Ningxia, Gansu, Qinghai, Xinjiang

Background and Analysis
Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk during Ramadan; large meals are consumed after sunset and before sunrise. Muslims typically stay up late, and the mood is generally festive. Many restaurants close during daylight hours in predominantly Muslim countries, but eateries in major hotels that cater to non-Muslims are usually open for business.

Advice
Remain respectful of Islamic traditions; do not eat or drink in the presence of Muslims during the daytime. Plan for transport delays, especially on arterial routes before and after Eid al-Fitr. Reconfirm travel and hotel reservations due to potential overbooking. Westerners should consider limiting exposure to places of worship in areas where anti-Western sentiments are high and/or militancy is a problem. Do not discuss sensitive political or religious matters in public.