Although the Arab Spring called for greater personal freedoms and better living conditions, economic reforms have so far failed to achieve an acceptable degree of social justice.
The relative political openness brought about by the Arab Spring in some countries provides an opportunity for the emergence of political and social forces that reflect the reality and aspirations of the middle class.
The Arab Spring has paved the way for fundamental economic and political change. Old and discredited economic models have marginalized entire communities, and the failure to achieve desired growth has left the majority of the region’s inhabitants stuck in poverty.
The political opposition has failed to address the issue of Syria's economic reconstruction—a debate that will define the country's character and future.
Jordan's budget deficit has reached an alarming level. As the government grapples with economic issues and enforcing subsidy reductions, protests have erupted across the country.
The Obama administration must realize that no “foreign policy” issue will matter as much to global economic, political, and ultimately security conditions in the coming year as whether the United States can demonstrate that it is able to deal with its economic crisis.
Furthering the cause of democracy in the Middle East requires realistic, pragmatic U.S. leadership to encourage reform and promote the development of civil society in the region.
Subsidies for basic foodstuffs and fuel are both popular and endemic to the Middle East. But if Arab states want to avert a looming budgetary crisis, reform is an economic imperative.
The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace will host one-day conference with high-level experts focusing on the political, socio-economic, and regional implications of the ongoing conflict in Syria and efforts to construct a new Syrian state.
The Egyptian economy faces daunting challenges. To overcome these, Egypt’s politico-economic framework must serve as the agent of change by clearly defining the roles of the state and the private sector.