Energy & Economics

The promise of Oslo evoked high expectations of reconciliation between Palestinians and Israelis. Its danger, however, lies in the mechanisms Oslo outlined to reach that reconciliation and the exaggerated expectations Oslo produced. A unique dynamic of the Oslo process is that the further one proceeds, the more difficult are the

In 1989 Jordan began implementing an economic reform program. The program was interrupted by the Gulf crisis but resumed in 1992 encompassing both economic and political reforms. Objectives of Reform The government's main objective in reform is to enhance the lives of Jordanian citizens. It would seem that basic economic

Throughout history, immigration to Israel has been responsible for the state's growth, development, and vitality. As a result, the relationship between immigrants and Israeli society plays an important role in the characteristics of the state. The challenge that has confronted Israel since 1948 has been how to maintain natural cohesion

When he came into office, Iranian President Hashemi Rafsanjani promised a "new Iran" that would be prosperous and powerful; he continued to blame the West -- America, in particular -- rather than recognizing Iran's economic failings. Today, none of this vision has been fulfilled. Instead, the regime faces a deepening

Day-by-day events of the Middle East -- from conflict in South Lebanon, to terrorism in Cairo, to elections in Israel -- obscure already well-established, longer-running economic trends that are having a profound impact on the shape of the region for years to come. Increasing populations, declining oil revenues and the

As the United States and its Western allies prepare to invest treasure and troops in Bosnia in order to support stability in the Balkans, European Parliamentarians in Strasbourg have the opportunity to support regional stability merely by raising their hands to vote in favor of a customs union agreement with

As Israeli Prime Minister Rabin visits Washington, Russian Prime Minister Victor Chernomyrdin is in the Persian Gulf on a visit to several Arab Gulf states. Chernomyrdin's trip is the latest in a series of diplomatic visits, initiatives and high level statements which cumulatively signal that Russian policy toward the Gulf

Tourism offers an opportunity to promote the economic development of the Levant, demonstrate the material rewards of peace, and forge cooperation between Israel and its neighbors. To be economically sound, however, regional cooperation must generate additional tourism, rather than redistributing existing visitors. Foreign governments and international aid agencies can encourage

Even as the historic signing of the Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles on September 13, 1993 has raised hopes for an end to conflict, it has also created new challenges and opportunities for actually implementing peace in the Middle East. All the parties acknowledge that the political success of the peace