Close to the edge: notes from the Green Zone, Baghdad

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to highlight the key issues that need to be taken into consideration when establishing an office, facility or project in a conflict situation, with particular reference to the International Zone in Baghdad, Iraq.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a descriptive approach, setting out the main aspects of setting up and running an office facility or project in Baghdad and highlighting the various options available, with particular reference to the security implications. The analysis is based on the author's personal experience in Baghdad and information on the experience of other organisations working there.

Findings

Working in Baghdad, and by implication other conflict zones, is difficult but not impossible. Security permeates every aspect of existence and as a result any task will cost a lot more and take a lot longer to complete than it would elsewhere. If this can be factored into the preparations for any project there is no reason why the opportunities here, whether to rebuild the country, make a profit or simply to survive unscathed, cannot bear fruit.

Practical implications

The paper provides a practical guide to establishing a project, facility or office in a conflict zone and provides useful information to anyone considering doing so.

Originality/value

The paper describes practical situations and options that are currently being experienced or used today, rather than proposing anything new or untested. It will, therefore, be of great value to any person or organisation considering establishing an office or facility in a conflict one and particularly in Iraq.

Citation

Kupisz, R. (2006), "Close to the edge: notes from the Green Zone, Baghdad", Journal of Facilities Management, Vol. 4 No. 2, pp. 132-142. https://doi.org/10.1108/14725960610651223