Extract
Scimitars to plowshares.
TO SUCCEED in its Middle East policy of promoting democracy, peace and regional stability, the U.S. government (with the support of America's private sector) must bring economic prosperity to this troubled region. After years of dismal economic performance and high population growth, unemployment in many of these countries is around 20 percent. As things stand, there is little hope for a better economic future for the youth of the region. Unemployment and economic despair have become the order of the day, and this, along with rampant corruption, breeds resentment and extremism. To turn the unemployment picture around, most countries will need sustained annual growth in excess of 7 percent.
Foreign financial assistance and oil revenues will not translate into economic growth. The Middle East has been the world's worst economic performing region over the last 25 years. This is all the more surprising because a number of countries in this r...See the full content of this document
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