The fallout from the stalled peace process is already making itself felt, not least in Israel where statistics reveal a steady decline in foreign investments since Netanyahu came to power. To secure the economic future of the peoples of the region, we must first secure a comprehensive peace. But more important still is pressure from within Israel itself. Increasing numbers of Israelis are voicing their opposition to Netanyahu's policies. As their voices grow louder, we must hope that they pressure their government into effecting the desired change.
Successful development presupposes two basic conditions - domestic stability and regional peace.
We should be grateful, therefor, that in terms of domestic stability Egypt has achieved much, as witnessed by the unprecedented level of attendance at the latest MENA economic conference revealing the international business community's confidence in Egypt's political stability. This contrasts sharply with the second precondition, regional stability. The fallout from the stalled peace process is already making itself felt, not least in Israel where statistics reveal a steady decline in foreign investments since Netanyahu came to power. To secure the economic future of the peoples of the region, we must first secure a comprehensive peace. But more important still is pressure from within Israel itself.