Arab Revolutions and the IMF: Supporting Democratization or Business as Usual?
Channel: New America
Date: 2013-04-23

Arab Revolutions and the IMF: Supporting Democratization or Business as Usual?

In the aftermath of the Arab uprisings, many countries are facing serious balance of payment problems, mounting external debt, and record-low foreign exchange reserves. In an attempt to curb concerns, several countries in the region -- Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia, Yemen -- are in various loan discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), but questions remain over the impact IMF funds will have on sustainable development.

Are the fiscal, monetary, tax, and investment policies advised by the IMF facilitating or hindering the building of inclusive economies in Arab countries? Will public expenditure for strengthening education, health, and other social sectors be safeguarded or slashed? Do governments have the political space to implement recommended reforms?


Participants

Mahinour El-Badrawi 
Senior Researcher, Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights

  Faysal Itani 
Visiting Fellow, Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East, Atlantic Council

  Kinda Mohamadieh 
Senior Policy Advisor, Arab NGO Network for Development

Moderator
Leila Hilal
Director, Middle East Task Force, New America Foundation

http://newamerica.net/events/2013/arab_revolutions_and_the_imf