Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

Is MENA exceptional? -- State formation, consolidation, and development, 1960s-1980s -- Toward greater use of markets and the global economy? -- Oil, OPEC, and the challenges of surplus management -- Water scarcity and agricultural policy in the MENA region -- Building a new future : development in the post-conflict context and post-disaster recovery -- Is the MENA region "open" for business? -- Making global integration work for MENA countries -- Are market disciplines sufficient? : industrial policy and technology transfer -- The keys to the future : human capital developments in the MENA region -- Are MENA's labor markets the key to growth? -- Closing the poverty gap in MENA -- Development assistance and its effectiveness in MENA countries -- Pathways to ensure prosperity.

This important book surveys major economic issues in the development of countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region since World War II. It reviews the key challenges facing the region in moving towards greater market orientation and integration with the global economy. It also incorporates a discussion of tools and methods used by development practitioners and briefly examines issues of aid effectiveness. Topics covered include patterns of growth, economic reform strategies, the role of OPEC and oil in development, water scarcity and agricultural policies, population, education strategies, labor markets and unemployment, trade, regional integration and migration, the investment climate, financial market development, gender, poverty issues and the impact of conflict.