The Middle East Belongs in the World Economy

As part of its long term strategy, Charlene Barshefsky, former U.S. trade representative, argues that the U.S. must promote economic liberalization in the Middle East. The region has more trade barriers than any other part of the world. It also has a fast growing population of young people without jobs. Eight of the eleven largest economies in the Middle East are not members of the World Trade Organization. Bringing Middle Eastern countries into the fold of the WTO and the world economy would stimulate growth and provide more jobs, reducing the likelihood of social unrest and religious radicalism. –YaleGlobal