Can the Middle East find a point of economic convergence?

The Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia region is at a turning point. There are opportunities for sustainable economic development through reforms and technological shifts but there are challenges in the form of political obstacles and conflict.

Recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic will also be uneven. After the success of a summit in Baghdad this week that brought together regional leaders, Iraq's President Barham Salih said the country has become a “point of convergence”.
Mr Salih said the region was in need of a new “political, security and economic system to meet the challenges of terrorism, extremism and the economic crisis”.

With the fallout from the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan likely to require a response from all its neighbours, a regional solution to its problems is needed now more than ever. Co-hosts Mustafa Alrawi and Kelsey Warner break down the current scenario.

Hosted by Mustafa Alrawi and Kelsey Warner

Produced by Arthur Eddyson and Ayesha Khan

In this episode:
The Baghdad summit (0m 50s)
The significance of the meeting (3m 16s)
Is Iraq ready to deliver on their ambitions? (7m 17s)
Opportunity for dignity (9m 55s)

Read more on our website:

• Iraq becomes ‘point of convergence’ after hosting regional summit
• Iraq PM urges leaders to work together for Middle East peace
• Mena region faces a ‘turning point’ and needs to press on with reforms as it recovers from pandemic, IMF says

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