- 19 Sep 2013
THE ARAB FIRESTORM: NAVIGATING WITHOUT A ROADMAP
Abstract:
The Middle East continues to face turbulence in the two years since the “Arab Spring”, with the on-going political transition in Egypt, the civil war in Syria, and potential spill-over into the wider region, especially in the event of a US-led military intervention. Dr Nasser Saidi prefers to use the term “firestorm” countries, as opposed to the “Arab Spring” countries as these countries are literally in the “firestorm”. Dr Saidi will point out the risks and vulnerabilities for the region going forward. During his lecture, Dr Saidi will suggest ways in which Singapore can play a role in assisting with the necessary reforms and initiatives for the region.
About the Speakers
Dr Nasser Saidi, Founder and President of Nasser Saidi and Associates, is the former Chief Economist and Head of External Relations of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Executive Director of the Hawkamah-Institute for Corporate Governance and The Mudara Institute of Directors at the DIFC between 2006 and 2012. Dr Saidi is also a member of the International Monetary Fund’s Regional Advisory Group for MENA and Co-Chair of the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) MENA Corporate Governance Working Group. Dr Saidi was the Minister of Economy and Trade and Minister of Industry of Lebanon between 1998 and 2000, and the first Vice-Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon for two successive mandates, 1993-1998 and 1998-2003. In 2012, he was named among the 50 most influential Arabs in the World by The Middle East magazine, for the fourth consecutive year.
