Publishing Institution: Arab Reform Initiative (ARI) / Author: Ishac Diwan

Author:: Alain Bifani, Karim Daher, Lydia Assouad, and Ishac Diwan
Publication Date:: 05-2021
Content Type:: Research Paper
Institution:: Arab Reform Initiative (ARI)
Abstract:: The tax system in Lebanon is unfair and inefficient. As part of rethinking Lebanon’s policies in light of the current crisis, this paper proposes key reforms to make tax incidence more progressive; strengthen tax compliance; and broaden the tax base. It also calls for considering a one-off wealth tax to help resolve the current crisis in a socially fair manner. It posits that the fight for fiscal justice and effectiveness needs to become more central in political debates as a just fiscal system is a requisite of any vision for a “new Lebanon”.
Topic:: Economics, Tax Systems, Economic Inequality, Fiscal Policy, and Wealth
Political Geography:: Middle East and Lebanon

Author:: Ishac Diwan and Joelle M. Abi-Rached
Publication Date:: 05-2020
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Arab Reform Initiative (ARI)
Abstract:: The Covid-19 pandemic in Lebanon is a crisis within a crisis. It occurred amidst a broader socio-economic meltdown that has shaken the country in recent months. While Lebanon appears to have responded effectively to the pandemic so far, a number of major challenges await it. With little measures to mitigate the economic impact of the confinement and protesters pushing to return to the streets, the country is entering an extremely volatile period. The only way out will be through measures that address the sanitary as well as underlying socio-economic issues that are threatening the entire country.
Topic:: Governance, Public Health, Pandemic, and COVID-19
Political Geography:: Middle East and Lebanon

Author:: Ishac Diwan, Nadim Houry, and Yezid Sayigh
Publication Date:: 08-2020
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Arab Reform Initiative (ARI)
Abstract:: Egypt’s recent security and macro-economic stabilization has been built on weak foundations and Covid-19 has further exposed this fragility. Egypt is now back to a situation broadly similar to that before the 2011 revolution: stable on the surface, but with deep structural problems and simmering social grievances, and little buffers to mitigate them. This paper argues for a major shift in the ways the country is currently governed in favour of greater openness in politics and markets, and for the international community to seriously engage Egypt on the need to reform economically and politically.
Topic:: Security, Arab Spring, Public Health, Pandemic, and COVID-19
Political Geography:: Africa and Egypt

Author:: Ishac Diwan
Publication Date:: 09-2019
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Arab Reform Initiative (ARI)
Abstract:: During its first years of transition to a democratic order, Tunisia's efforts were predominantly focused on addressing political challenges. The performance of the country in this regard has been generally positive, as it has managed to consolidate democratic gains despite challenges related to the polarization of politics around identity and religious issues, the rise in insecurity related to attacks by extremist groups, and even the general disenchantment of voters for the existing political elites. However, the gains on the political front came at the expense of economic setbacks. One of the main challenges for the coming period will thus be largely economic. High unemployment, unfulfilled demands for social justice, the rise in corruption, and most importantly in the short term, an unsustainable macroeconomic trajectory, all threaten to upset recent political gains. If the upcoming administration does not address them, social discontent would endanger the hard-won democratic gains.
Topic:: Religion, Social Movement, Democracy, and Economic Policy
Political Geography:: Africa, North Africa, Tunisia, Mediterranean, and Tunis

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