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,…