admin, Author at - Page 2 of 3

08 Jan 25

Curricula as a Political Tool: A Call for Visionary Leadership in Syria

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…

30 Dec 24

Hope in the Shadows of War: A Path Forward for Gaza

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…

19 Dec 24

USAID Learning Agenda Challenges in the Middle East Amid Conflicts

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…

09 Dec 24

The Arab Spring: A Catalyst for Positive Change and Youth-Led Modernization

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…

05 Dec 24

Driving Impact: USAID Project Cycle and Localization in the Middle East

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…

25 Nov 24

What Does Trump’s Election Mean for Palestinians?

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…

12 Nov 24

Reflections from My Visit to Israel, Jordan, and Palestine Amid the U.S. Election

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…

16 Oct 24

Is Governance Failure Driving Youth Unemployment in the Middle East?

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,…

08 Oct 24

Breaking Down the Walls: LLMs and USAID’s Evaluation Challenge

The Challenge of Siloed Development Evaluations In many USAID missions, development objective evaluations and analyses are often conducted independently, limiting their ability to provide a comprehensive understanding of overall USAID program impacts on the country local system. This isolated approach can hinder the identification of broader trends and patterns that…

12 Sep 24

Reflections on Peace and Conflict in Israel and Palestine

I am attending the Peace Conference in Washington, DC organized by Alliance for Peacebuilding. This year, however, the atmosphere is particularly bleak, with the conflict expanding from Gaza to Lebanon, Yemen, the West Bank to Ukraine. I was born and raised in Nablus, a bustling city in the north of…