The recent PBS NewsHour report on the ineffectiveness of foreign aid struck a chord with me, particularly the statement that “implementer companies rarely work with the communities targeted for help or with local aid groups.” As someone who has navigated the development sector as a USAID scholarship recipient, a former…

Join us at the Palestine Economic Forum to hear Dr. Nayafa from BCG discuss the latest insights on how digital transformation is shaping business strategies. انضم إلينا في المنتدى الاقتصادي الفلسطيني للاستماع إلى الدكتور نايفه من مجموعة بوسطن الاستشارية وهو يناقش أحدث التطورات حول التحول الرقمي لدعم استراتيجيات الأعمال Please…

The first significant test for Syria’s new leadership in Damascus lies in their approach to education reform, starting with revising the national curriculum. This decision holds the potential to rescue several lost generations and chart a course for the future of a fractured yet resilient nation. Having worked extensively across…

As we bid farewell to 2024 and prepare to welcome 2025, I reflect on a moment from my youth in Nablus—a dinner shattered by the sounds of gunfire and fear brought by the Israeli army. That evening, Rafi, our Israeli guest, witnessed the daily realities of life under occupation: systematic…

While reviewing the recently updated USAID ADS 201, Program Cycle Operational Policy (Partial Revision Date: 10/23/2024), I was struck by its emphasis on “learning”—a term mentioned 155 times. This focus resonates deeply with my personal experiences over two decades of working with USAID projects and local partners across the Middle…

The Middle East today is not the region we once knew. While the Arab Spring may seem like a distant memory to some, its spirit of transformation remains relevant, particularly in the potential of the region’s youth. This potential, however, requires time, effort, and the cultivation of organizational skills by…

For over two decades, I have worked extensively on projects with the World Bank, USAID, and the State Department across the Middle East, serving as a project director and regional advisor. My journey within the international development sector has provided me with firsthand insights into the challenges and opportunities of…

As the dust settles on Donald Trump’s election, Palestinians and others in the Middle East are grappling with the implications. While some fear an escalation of U.S. policies that heavily favor Israel, others cautiously hope for a fresh approach. During a recent visit to Palestine, Israel, and Jordan, I engaged…

This past Tuesday, November 5th, I landed at Dulles Airport at 3:30 PM, returning from an intense and eye-opening three-week journey through Israel, Jordan, and Palestine. The entire region felt weighed down by a dark, pervasive sense of despair, as the enduring impact of war and political uncertainty pressed heavily…

Youth unemployment in the Middle East is not only a socio-economic challenge but also a governance problem, with deep-rooted political, institutional, and systemic issues that have compounded over time. Let’s delve deeper into the contributing factors: 1. Distrust in Institutions The Arab Spring, sparked by Mohamed Bouazizi’s tragic protest in Tunisia,…