In four rural villages outside of Cairo, researchers led by Baker Institute fellow Mahmoud El-Gamal are testing micro-lending (or small loan) systems designed to help the poor help themselves. The loan amounts are very modest — anywhere from $5 to… Continue Reading
Pakistan’s economy faces a complex set of problems according to Adnan Mazarei, assistant director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department and mission chief for Pakistan at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). During a recent talk at the Baker… Continue Reading
Reports of the U.S. dollar’s demise may have been greatly exaggerated, but a report by the Independent’s Robert Fisk on “secret meetings” to discuss conducting oil trades — traditionally priced in dollars — using a basket of currencies has moved… Continue Reading