The acquisition of large amounts of foreign aid, handled improperly by a struggling economy, can weaken rather than strengthen it. This study reaches this sobering conclusion by examining how the economic boom enjoyed by Egypt, Syria, and Jordan in the 1970s turned into financial crisis by the 1980s. The analysis involves the political, economic, and social similarities and differences among the three countries and pinpoints both the internal and external factors that contributed most significantly to their economic declines. Particular attention focuses on the huge influx of foreign aid thay reached the region from 1978 to 1981 and was used to advance purposes such as military buildups rather than to enhance future economic growth potential. This left all three countries, regardless of their unique political structures, in economic chaos when outside funds ran out.
The work outlines the economic developments and policies of Egypt, Syria, and Jordan during the years of prosperity and crisis. Central to the discussion are the short- and long-term ramifications of both this downturn and the countries' refusal to restrict military expenditures. After illustrating how foreign aid should, therefore, not be used, this volume then urges that countries not depend on outside capital for their economic well-being, and demonstrates how economic reform can be achieved only by initiating responsible economic programs. The hardships associated with such a reversal in policy are considered, especially in light of the current Gulf conflict, but scholars of economic development and Middle East studies will agree that the extended benefits of such an approach far outweigh any temporary setbacks.

Foreign Aid and Economic Development in the Middle East: Egypt, Syria, and Jordan

Business & Money

Lavy, Victor

Sheffer, Eliezer

Economics

Praeger

Living Standards Measurement Study No. 107.Lost investment opportunities for society and the inefficient provision of public schooling are just some of the reasons why developing countries are concerned with low school completion rates. This study investigates the underlying causes of school attrition, paying particular attention to how school quality affects dropout rates. The central finding is that children are strongly influenced in their schooling decisions by the quality of their prospective school. The authors suggest that altering the character of the schools may prove an effective method of keeping students in school. The study will benefit education policymakers who need fundamental data on determinants of school leaving.

School Quality, Achievement Bias, and Dropout Behavior in Egypt (LSMS WORKING PAPER)

Education & Teaching

Hanushek, Eric Alan

Schools & Teaching

World Bank

Living Standards Measurement Study No. 115. Estimates the incidence, characteristics, and patterns of change over time of illiteracy in Morocco. Improving the quality of information on literacy and understanding its relationship to important social and economic behaviors and outcomes is essential for the design of policies and programs aimed at reducing illiteracy. In Morocco, the incidence of illiteracy is still very high, and the government is determined to reduce it. This study estimates the incidence, characteristics, and patterns of change over time of illiteracy in this North African nation to identify where the need for intervention is greatest and to develop proper methods for evaluating program effectiveness. The authors compare the results from direct literacy assessment with the conventional methods of self-reported literacy. This effort provides detailed, objective information with which patterns of literacy skills may be determined and their relationship to other important social and economic behaviors and outcomes analyzed. It also provides an opportunity to examine thoroughly the reliability and validity of common proxy indicators used to estimate literacy rates and skill levels.

Changing Patterns of Illiteracy in Morocco: Assessment Methods Compared (LSMS WORKING PAPER)

Politics & Social Sciences

Spratt, Jennifer E.

Leboucher, Nathalie

Social Sciences

Investigates relationships among labor force participation, health outcomes, and quality of health care in Jamaica. Develops an econometric model linking demand for health care, health status outcomes, and labor force participation--Handbook of Latin American Studies, v. 57.

Health Care in Jamaica: Quality, Outcomes, and Labor Supply (LSMS WORKING PAPER)

Palumbo, Michael

Stern, Steven N.

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