Rethinking Approaches: Reforms and Direct Assistance

This week on Babel, Jon Alterman speaks with Dr. Haneen Sayed, an international development expert and former lead specialist at the World Bank. During the conversation, Dr. Sayed discusses the roots of the economic crisis in Lebanon and how the international donor community can play a more constructive role. Then, Jon continues the conversation with Will Todman and Marty Pimentel, discussing the effect of sectarianism on Lebanon's political economy and the legacy of protest and civil war.​​

• Haneen Sayed, "How Better Social Protection Can Strengthen Lebanon's Social Contract," Carnegie Middle East Center, June 14, 2023.  
• Jon Alterman and Jihad Azour, "The Middle East's Economic Outlook," CSIS, January 10, 2023.
• Transcript, "Haneen Sayed: Lebanon's Economic Crisis," CSIS, August 22, 2023.