The kidnap and security threat in Syria

The Syria conflict is in a new phase following the territorial collapse of IS and the consolidation of the government’s position and territorial advantage. The level of damage to almost every type of infrastructure and commercial operation is huge. Inevitably, companies from across the world are looking at opportunities for working in Syria, but this is not something to be undertaken lightly.

Conflicting governance structures, economic collapse, damaged or destroyed infrastructure, and wide-ranging sanctions make operating in the country extremely challenging. The threat from kidnap-for-ransom will remain extreme in some areas, contributing to a complex and changing security environment.

There is also significant reputational risk and indeed moral hazard associated with investing in a country where numerous and well-publicised human rights abuses have been perpetrated by stakeholders and their associates on all sides.

Podcast contents:

• Islamic State has lost over 90% of the territory it used to control in Syria in mid-2014. Does this translate into a decrease in the kidnap-for-ransom threat?
• What does the kidnap-for-ransom threat mean for organisations and companies seeking to operate in Syria?
• Beyond kidnap-for-ransom, what is the general security situation?
• Outside the security issues, what else should organisations be considering if they want to operate in Syria?

Authors:

• Tania Ildefonso, Special Risks Analyst, Middle East and Asia
• Andrew Freeman, Associate Analyst, Middle East and North Africa