Passport to Death
By Rod Eime
Kidnapping and Terrorism
Terrorism, as if we need reminding, is now a commonplace
form of political expression. Bear in mind those at whom it
is aimed only experience the "terrorism". To the
perpetrators, it is always a "noble struggle against
oppression."
Kidnapping, on the other hand, is more a black industry.
A crime committed by criminals for the express purpose of
extracting as much money from your employer or family as possible.
Sometimes the money goes to finance "terrorist"
groups, but most often it just goes to gangsters.
Americans, fortunately for the rest of the world, are the
biggest targets for disgruntled foreign "operators"
and "entrepreneurs", but Aussies employed by the
Great Infidel might as well be draped in the same flag and
are just as cheerfully lined up with their Yankee mates at
curtain time. So choose your travelling companions carefully!
Australians, as a consequence of our adventurous spirit and
high disposable incomes, tend to land in remote, often dangerous
locations. Our brave but dead thrillseekers have come home
in boxes (and bags) from Indonesia, Cambodia, Africa, Yemen
and South America.
Another got out of Uganda by the skin of his teeth. Our bloke
only released after Rwandan "rebels" butchered eight
of his companions. Two Kiwis, for some unknown reason, were
not spared.
The Department
of Foreign Affairs regularly lists countries and regions
of major concern, and you should always acquaint yourself
with local current affairs before you venture off on some
expedition. When it comes to the crunch, your nationality
is unlikely to save you from some crazed lunatic with a machete
or an AK-47.
According to DP's author, Robert Young Pelton, you are at
greatest risk of death during a kidnapping episode at the
beginning and/or the end. "At the outset, the terrorists
typically are tense and high-strung and may behave irrationally.
It is extremely important that you remain calm and alert and
manage your own behaviour." Easily said!
Botched rescue attempts account for most kidnapping deaths.
According to Pelton, professional "consultants"
lose about 2% of clients during "extraction", while
local efforts are rather more expensive at around 9%.
To avoid kidnapping, Pelton recommends that you should avoid
suspect locations (which makes good sense).
If you are staying somewhere shonky for a period of time,
or working, you should vary your routine and even hire a local
driver or bodyguard. Keep a low profile and don't seek attention.
Other acts of terrorism like bombings and random shootings
are impossible to predict, but if there is any intelligence
about such matters, you'll find it at DFAT.
Based on available data, around twenty Australians will be
murdered whilst overseas each year. Although each circumstance
is impossible to analyse, it is fair to say that many can
be avoided if greater attention is paid to personal security.
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