In my latest article for the International Railway Journal I consider how investors can manage the risks facing railway projects where the local political climate is unstable. Syria and Libya are prime current examples.

It’s been a fascinating few months of meetings with Syrian and Libyan government representatives, members of the business community, international development banks, and researchers. In short, as Syria and Libya face their next chapter, both are now looking to attract foreign investment and accelerate the pace of railway development. Still, security challenges remain complex: lingering sectarian tensions, the risk of extremist remnants, and continued humanitarian needs. It goes without saying that each has its own unique context and development paths. And yet, compared to many other conflict-affected contexts, Syria and Libya feel like a rare window of opportunity for post-war reconstruction.