In Tunisia, protests continue as the country approaches an important anniversary. Since Jan. 8, demonstrators have been gathering in a handful of towns and small cities throughout the country to protest austerity measures, including tax hikes. Police have arrested about 300 protesters and detained 600 so far, according to Tunisian state media. The protests have become violent in several instances, such as in the towns of Thala, Siliana, Sousse, Tebourba, Bizerte and Kebili. In Thala protesters burned down a police station, prompting police officers to flee and drawing a response from the Tunisian national army. The protests likely will remain at a simmer in the days leading up to Jan. 14, which marks the anniversary of the Tunisian government's overthrow during the Arab Spring in 2011. Other countries in the region, such as Egypt, have managed to limit the outward celebration or commemoration of their nations' respective Arab Spring events.