MEC - Middle East Economies

The Economic Agenda of the Islamist Parties

Ibrahim Saif, Muhammad Abu Rumman — Tue, 29 May 2012 14:20:56 +0000

The economic platforms of Islamist parties have largely been overlooked, despite the serious challenges that lie ahead for the economies of the Arab world.

Morocco's Stalling Economy

Lahcen Achy — Tue, 29 May 2012 07:56:46 +0000

Due to the high cost of imports and a rent-seeking economy, Morocco is experiencing an economic slowdown that may lead to social tension. The government should remedy the situation by encouraging competition and investing in productive sectors.

The Emerging Order in the Middle East

Sinan Ülgen, Nathan Brown, Marina Ottaway, Paul Salem — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:02:09 +0000

The best hope for reconciliation and democracy promotion in the Arab world comes from a focus on economic reform and other concrete issues.

Syrian Regime Cannot Conceal An Economy in Rapid Decline

Ibrahim Saif — Tue, 22 May 2012 12:16:22 +0000

No one is fully knowledgeable about the state of the Syrian economy, how exactly it has been affected by the events taking place in the country, or how to interpret the choice economic indicators issued by Syrian officials.

Algeria’s Financial Surplus and Socioeconomic Struggles

Lahcen Achy — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:29:42 +0000

Algeria’s oil and gas resources enable it to accumulate large amounts of wealth with relative ease. But this blessing should not be used as an excuse for excessive government spending without clear priorities.

The Banking Industry in Lebanon: Challenges and Policies

Khater Abi Habib, Saad Azhari, Paul Salem, Wassim Shahin — Mon, 14 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The Lebanese financial sector plays a vital role in the country’s economy and has encountered many changes and challenges in the past decade.

UNDP’s Arab Development Challenges Report 2011: Towards the Developmental State in the Arab Region

Fri, 11 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

To respond to the demands for social justice reverberating across the Arab world, Arab countries should adopt a “developmental state” model based on a new social contract of mutual accountability and shed the rentier-based political economy model.

Libya’s Economy: On Path to Recovery but Facing Hard Challenges

Lahcen Achy — Tue, 01 May 2012 14:49:03 +0000

With the current level of oil production and high prices on international markets, the Libyan economy is expected to recover this year. Yet, to ensure long-term stability, Libya must move away from its dependence on oil toward a diversified economy led by a competitive private sector.

The Drivers of Insecurity in Mauritania

Anouar Boukhars — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:02:22 +0000

Promoting good governance and reinforcing the state’s capacity is critical to improving economic conditions and building people’s trust in Mauritania’s national institutions. But transforming the state-society compact will not be easy or quick.

International Institutions' New Approach Toward Arab Countries

Ibrahim Saif — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:42:36 +0000

Arab governments’ relations with international institutions, especially the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, are experiencing a significant change. How will relations between the new Arab governments and these institutions develop going forward?

Tunisia’s Fragile Economy Puts Focus on Government Promises

Lahcen Achy — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 13:55:05 +0000

Although some have blamed the lackluster performance of the Tunisian economy on the inexperience of the current Islamist government, the problems Ennahda’s government confronts are complex and there is no easy way out.

Do the Islamists Provide Economic Alternatives?

Ibrahim Saif — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 09:02:28 +0000

Throughout the Middle East and North Africa, Islamist parties are garnering electoral success. A strong economic policy is essential for ensuring that voters remain confident and supportive of Islamist parties in the future.

Troubles Financing the Arab World’s SMEs Hurt Growth

Lahcen Achy — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Small- and medium-size enterprises are already playing a key role in the economies of the Arab world. But limited access to financing prevents those enterprises from unleashing their full potential, boosting economic growth, and creating much-needed jobs.

The Arab League Summit and the Syrian Crisis

Paul Salem, Yezid Sayigh, Maria Fantappie — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Iraq hosted the Arab League summit last week, a significant development for a country that has been marginalized from its Arab neighbors. But as Arab relations with Iraq improve, relations with its neighbor Syria are deteriorating.

Turkey in the New Middle East

Sinan Ülgen, Paul Salem — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 09:00:00 +0000

With democratic change struggling to take root in the Arab world, it remains to be seen whether Turkey can serve as a model for those who hope to usher the region through the difficult transition to a more democratic order.

Building a Better Yemen

Charles Schmitz — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 09:00:00 +0000

A capable and legitimate state is even more essential to Yemen’s economic future than the presence of natural resources.

Rentier Economy Fueling Unemployment and Poor Job Quality in the Arab World

Lahcen Achy — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Arab regimes, challenged by rapid demographic growth and an increase in the number of educated job seekers, must transition their economies toward more merit-based competition and economic performance through productive investment.

Dear Ayatollah Khamenei: Go Ahead, Shut Down That Strait

David Rothkopf — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Iran's threat to shut down the Strait of Hormuz and strangle the U.S. oil supply could provide a much-needed impetus for the United States to reconsider its energy policies.

Palestine: Economic Challenges and Political Implications

Robert Danin, Oussama Kanaan, Firas Raad, Marwan Muasher — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:00:00 +0000

The Palestinian economy made significant advances in recent years under Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, yet questions remain regarding the sustainability of such progress in light of the ongoing diplomatic stalemate with Israel.

The Resilience of the Syrian Economy after One Year of Revolution

Ibrahim Saif — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 09:00:00 +0000

As Syria’s economy experiences unprecedented decline, it remains to be seen how long the regime can withstand the current crisis in light of the sharp economic degradation in recent weeks.

Libyan Prime Minister Abdel-Rahim El Keib

Marwan Muasher, Abdel-Rahim El Keib — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Libyan Prime Minister Abdel-Rahim El Keib will discuss Libya’s political transition and the future of U.S.-Libya relations. Carnegie’s Marwan Muasher will moderate.

The Arab Spring Revives Maghreb Integration

Lahcen Achy — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 10:00:00 +0000

The Arab Maghreb countries are revisiting the long-dormant Arab Maghreb Union agreement in the hopes that regional integration can help them overcome rising instability and become competitive in this era of change.

Regional Cooperation or a Marshall Plan for the Arab World?

Ibrahim Saif — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:00:00 +0000

The possibilities for strengthening regional cooperation would seem more realistic than the opportunities to create a Marshall Plan for the Arab world. For such a plan to materialize, Arab states must develop the tools and proper institutions to put it into practice.

Economic Reform in Arab Countries and Escaping from the Trap of the ‘Middle Income’ Bracket

Ibrahim Saif — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Arab countries should monitor variables on a micro level and understand how the state can preserve its role as the main service provider and legislative authority while allowing small and big businesses to work together, developing the productive base and agricultural sectors, and improving productivity and exports.

Awakening Arab Innovation

Marwan Muasher, Inger Andersen, Rami Khouri — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:00:00 +0000

As the Arab Awakening continues to unfold, the region’s future will hinge on whether greater political freedoms in countries like Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya can be harnessed to produce innovation, economic growth, and a true knowledge economy.