Top 10 overseas security trends for the U.S. private sector in 2007

the control of the attackers. “It is vital to recognize that these attacks can easily be replicated against a new target, including the U.S. private sector,” OSAC warned.

In North Africa, the terrorist group Al-Qa’ida in the Land of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) demonstrated that it is a serious threat to both the government and private sector in Algeria, according to OSAC analysts. Noting attacks on Western company convoys and various plots to kidnap Westerners, OSAC warned that AQIM is using sophisticated attacks aimed at economic targets. Violent crime also has become a significant threat to U.S. entities in several of Africa’s large cities. “Fatal carjacking attacks and armed robbery of residences, hotels and restaurants have dramatically increased in major cities such as Lagos, Nairobi, and Johannesburg,” OSAC said. In Africa’s Niger Delta region, kidnapping by militant political groups and criminal organizations increased overall and extended beyond those working in the oil industry. “In addition to continued attacks against oil workers, kidnapping incidents are now impacting non-oil affiliated personnel, including Nigerian government officials,” OSAC said. On an encouraging note, one report indicated the rate of kidnappings had slowed considerably in the second half of 2007.

Political instability and political conflict posed the greatest threats to the American private sector in Lebanon and Latin America, according to the OSAC review. OSAC noted that Lebanon had experienced several violent incidents over the past year, including low-level bombings, assassinations of several well-known anti-Syrian figures, and battles between military and extremists in Palestinian refugee camps. “These incidents have increased concerns that terrorist elements or sympathizers could take advantage of the situation in order to establish themselves and plot attacks against Lebanese or Western interests,” said OSAC. OSAC analysts blamed political conflicts for inspiring some Latin American leaders “to nationalize private industry and campaign against U.S. interests.” Such political battles have sparked violent political street protests that “have paralyzed commercial areas in some cities and resulted in both injury and death,” according to OSAC.

This year-end security review is based on security analyses and informational products developed by OSAC’s regional specialists and delivered to its private-sector members, explained Brown. “By working with our OSAC partners, sharing our analysis, and pushing out our information, we aim to help the U.S. private sector better prepare for, respond to, and recover from the security challenges that may arise in the coming year,” said Brown.

Here is OSAC’s Top