Economic Research Forum (ERF)

Kassim M. Dakhlallah

Author

Kassim M. Dakhlallah
Economist

Kassim Dakhlallah earned a Doctorate of Philosophy in economics from Claremont Graduate University, California with a particular focus in international finance and financial economics. Kassim earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in economics and international relations from Florida International Unversity and a Master of Arts Degree in economics from the same university in which he graduated with honor. Kassim served as a senior economist at the Arab Monetary Fund and as an Assistant professor of economics and finance at the American University of Dubai and served as a visiting faculty at California Polytechnic State University and the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Currently, Kassim is focusing on his consultancy firm that promotes amongst other things research and capacity development in the middle east and north Africa (MENA). Kassim areas of interest are inter alia in the fields of open macroeconomics/international finance, particularly those of economic growth, balance of payment and debt crisis, sustainability of fiscal deficit and public debt. Kassim’s current and former affiliation are Middle East Economic Association (MEEA), Western Economic Association International (WEAI), and the American Economic Association (AEA). In his previous roles, Kassim appeared live on global TV networks such as the famous TV show “ From Washington” sponsored by Al Jazeera TV channel and was quoted in prestigious newspapers like the Washington Post,the International Herald Tribune and the Gulf News.

Content by this Author

The Lebanese tragedy: who is to blame?

The collapse of the Lebanese economy triggered vicious cycles that are spiralling out of control. As a result, there is a growing debate about whom to blame for the crisis. Many blamed the government – or the central bank – or the rent-seekers; others blamed the entire political and economic system. This column sheds light on the chain of events that led to the crisis.

The dilemma of public debt in Lebanon

Lebanon’s strategy of pursuing long-term fiscal sustainability at the cost of short-term macroeconomic stability, which has dominated for over two decades, has been devastating in terms of economic growth and deteriorating infrastructure. This column explains the background to the current economic and financial crisis.

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The political economy of stalled structural reforms in MENA

There is a persistent pattern to the structural reforms that are required to underpin economic progress in the countries of the Middle East and North Africa: ambitious strategies are announced and partially implemented, but ultimately they are diluted or reversed. This column argues that the repeated stalling of reform is not primarily a failure of economic design. Rather, it reflects deep-seated political economy constraints rooted in rent dependence, elite bargaining and weak institutional credibility. Without addressing these underlying dynamics, reform efforts are likely to remain symbolic rather than transformative.

Untapped talent, unrealised growth: jobs and women in the MENAAP region

Only around one in five women of working age participate in the labour markets of the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan. As this column explains, the region can no longer afford to leave half its human capital underused. Expanding women’s labour force participation is central to growth and resilience in the face of looming demographic change.

Closing the gender gap in political participation in MENA

Women across the Middle East and North Africa participate less than men in politics – not only in political parties and elections, but also in petitions, boycotts, protests and strikes. This column reports evidence from ten countries showing that differences in education, employment and political attitudes explain part of this disparity, yet a significant gender gap remains.

Labour demand and informal employment in Egypt’s manufacturing sector

Egypt’s manufacturing sector faces a dual challenge of weak job creation and persistent informality. Drawing on survey evidence on business behaviour and labour market dynamics, this column explains why job creation is limited and informal work remains such an integral part of how firms organise production. The generation of more formal jobs requires a comprehensive policy approach, one that goes beyond enforcement of labour regulations to reshape the economic environment in which firms and workers make decisions.




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