More than a year after the Arab Spring, it is important to remember that the protests which led to the fall of autocrats around the region were fueled by high unemployment and other barriers to economic participation, especially for young people. As CIPE Executive Director John D. Sullivan and Adbulwahab Alkebsi, Regional Director for the Middle East and Africa, write on the Huffington Post today:
In order for this nascent democracy to fully take root and flourish in the Middle East, popular calls for dignity must be answered with an expansion of opportunities for high-value employment. After the immediate crises abate, how will new governments ensure that they can provide their people with economic opportunity?
Fortunately, there are some clear and achievable goals that governments around the region can aim for, including fostering public-private dialogue, lowering the barriers to starting a business, and combating corruption. Read more on the Huffington Post.
Published Date: March 14, 2012