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Written by Charlie LeBlanc - Monday, 31 October 2011 17:44

The recent death of Libyan leader Moammar Khadafy marks the end of yet another dictatorship, and once again raises the hopes of those desiring to do business in the region. Libya is only the most recent nation to reach conclusive dramatic change as a result of the “Arab Spring,” which generated a series of uprisings and leadership changes in the Middle East and North Africa that continue to date. Tunsia recently held its first-ever free elections after launching the Arab Spring in early 2011 by overthrowing its long-time dictator. Egypt and Morocco followed suit, and both will hold elections next month. Libya is excepted to do the same in short order. Other Arab nations, including Bahrain, Syria and Yemen, have also experienced significant protests and violence but have not undergone a change in their rulers. Outside of the Middle East, other nation-states are also facing prospective changes in leadership, some of them equally unexpected. With Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez’s diagnosis and treatment for cancer, what was once thought of as a long-running dictatorship could now change in a much shorter period of time. Unfortunately, as we’ve seen in the past and are now potentially seeing again, in nation-states where the people have removed a repressive government, those who assume power are not necessarily any warmer toward the Western business world than were their predecessors. In some cases religious groups that tend to be less friendly toward Western governments and businesses have assumed power, replacing the secular leaders who were toppled. In Egypt, despite their promises, the military leadership is coping with an internal argument regarding how much change they will permit. In the case of Libya, many members of the new power structure were also part of the Khadafy regime and the terms and conditions of the Khadafy era in regard to oil production are currently still in effect. Because of this, oil companies in particular are taking a cautious approach in regard to resuming operations in the country. In this fast changing, volatile climate, those business leaders who remain on top of the political situations that are pertinent to their operations will likely be the ones who come out on top. Professional organizations such as FrontierMEDEX can provide current, cutting edge intelligence that can make all the difference between making the right moves at the right time, or not acting when the time is right and being left behind. There is no doubt that the needs of these nations in regard to the oil industry and other industries will be fulfilled. The wise executive will take the necessary steps to make certain that their organization is at the front of the line when the opportunity arises, or knows when to walk away. For more information contact FrontierMEDEX at SecurityInfo@FrontierMEDEX.com or call 1-713-430-7300.

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