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  1. London Review of Books24 min
    9 reads8 comments
    9.5
    London Review of Books
    9 reads
    9.5
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    • jeff4 years ago

      This is a fascinating look into what happens when a country collapses and turns into a failed state. The juxtaposition of a corporate compliance review taking place in a war torn country makes it all seem totally unreal.

      • Karenz
        Scribe
        4 years ago

        Meanwhile nuclear materials and explosives could be plundered. Were there no cheaper ways to get barrels for barrel bombs?

        • jeff4 years ago

          Good question, I was left wondering the same thing! I was about to start Googling “barrel bombs” to see what the deal was but didn’t want to end up on a list.

          • Karenz
            Scribe
            4 years ago

            Very smart, Jeff! Next thing you know you’d have restricted travel!

      • bill
        Top reader of all time
        4 years ago

        Upvote. Fascinating indeed. On top of all the action and danger, the author maintains a tone of voice that’s actually just plain funny:

        ‘What should I do if I get ambushed?’ I asked. ‘Well, standard operating procedure in the army is to shoot your way out. Don’t be static. Push on, fight back.’ I pointed out to him that I was an unarmed middle-aged lawyer who would be sitting in the back of a rickety saloon car when the moment came. He shrugged. ‘As I say, it’s a bit shit.’

    • jamie4 years ago

      What a strange article…Sometimes little things seem so interesting… Like for some reason they still respect the traffic laws but routinely break into peoples homes and assault and rob them.....I can imagine the people that broke into that lady’s home and knocked her teeth out obeying nonexistent Traffic laws… Really an upside down world… Very interesting to read about....Very disturbing… But I think it’s important to read about places like this…

      • Karenz
        Scribe
        4 years ago

        How else would we have any idea??!! This is fascinating about international business and a glimpse into how it operates under war circumstances. I’m touched by how loyal some of the Libyan employees were but they didn’t get the same consideration from corporations. So little respect left for the worker.

    • SEnkey4 years ago

      Companies expect loyalty, but don't reward it. Officially demand ethical and legal behavior but incentivize the opposite. Our corporate culture is toxic.