Category Archives: PIDE (Policy, International Development & Economics)
Algeria Shows Symptoms of Resource Curse
“Oil settles below $39 a barrel for the first time since Feb. 2009″~MarketWatch Given the dramatic decrease in oil prices, Saudi Arabia could cut investment spending, estimated to be about $102 billion dollars this year, by about 10 percent or … Continue reading
Economic Impact of Iran Sanctions, or “PersiaStroika”
“Our countries (United States and Iran) can reach a detente — or ‘Persia-Stroika’ if you will” ~ Jon, Stewart of The Daily Show [Note: “Perestroika”, or “openness”, was a term coined by Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachev in 1986, to describe … Continue reading
SELL, SELL, SELL … “Bye-Bye” Reform Ceiling #Saudi
Greetings PITAconsumers… and best wishes to those of you observing the practice of abstaining from food, drink, and smoking 
from sunrise to sunset. Fasting has begun on the first day of the Ramadan month! But for those fasting and … Continue reading
First US-GCC Summit on Regional Security Tables Yemen on Agenda
Once upon a time, there were seven brothers. Mother Earth blessed the first six with gold. Father time buried the youngest one’s treasures very deep beneath the sand. Mothers and fathers worry about sibling rivalries. Sheba took care of the … Continue reading
Middle East’s Oil Industry Remains Strong Despite Turmoil
Middle East’s Oil Industry Remains Strong Despite Turmoil By Kim Reynolds In the world of investment, the prices of important commodities go up whenever there’s political turmoil that can strain the flow of trade. Oil’s value has always been volatile … Continue reading
Rosseau Isn’t the First, nor Last, to Negotiate a ‘Social Contract’ #BreakTheCycle
“50% of Arab world citizens are dissatisfied with public services in their area,” according to the World Bank survey — which prompted not one, but two sessions at the Annual World Bank/International Monetary Fund Spring 2015 Meeting. So it was … Continue reading
Nuclear Energy Debate: Before and After #Jordan #Iran
Despite the continuing airstrikes in Yemen, led by Saudi coalition forces, there are some positive regional developments. Specifically, on April 2nd, a framework for an Iran nuclear reached successful agreement between the U.S. and Iran. The framework is set up … Continue reading
#Egypt: Investing in Infrastructure Isn’t a “Fool/Full Proof” Plan
From March 13th to 15th , Egypt hosted a two-day economic summit to present its business case as THE emerging economy in the Mediterranean and African region. Meanwhile, the U.S. Government Accountability Office reported on the status of the U.S.-Egypt … Continue reading
