• Research
  • Diwan
  • About
  • Experts
Carnegie Middle East logoCarnegie lettermark logo
LebanonIran
{
  "authors": [
    "Ghida Tayara"
  ],
  "type": "commentary",
  "blog": "Diwan",
  "centerAffiliationAll": "dc",
  "centers": [
    "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
    "Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center"
  ],
  "collections": [
    "Three Question Time"
  ],
  "englishNewsletterAll": "menaTransitions",
  "nonEnglishNewsletterAll": "",
  "primaryCenter": "Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center",
  "programAffiliation": "MEP",
  "programs": [
    "Middle East"
  ],
  "projects": [],
  "regions": [
    "Levant",
    "Lebanon",
    "Middle East"
  ],
  "topics": [
    "Economy"
  ]
}
Diwan English logo against white

Source: Getty

Commentary
Diwan

Stable, but Walking in the Dark

Economist Jad Chaaban talks about the challenges to Lebanon’s economy, but suggests that not all is bad.

Link Copied
By Ghida Tayara
Published on Oct 17, 2017
Diwan

Blog

Diwan

Diwan, a blog from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace’s Middle East Program and the Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center, draws on Carnegie scholars to provide insight into and analysis of the region. 

Learn More

Jad Chaaban is a Lebanese economist and an associate professor of economics at the American University of Beirut (AUB). Chaaban, who also describes himself as a social activist, views his research and advocacy as focused “on using evidence-based economics analysis to enhance the well-being of the most vulnerable groups in society.” He has served as an economic policy advisor to various Lebanese ministries and public agencies. Prior to joining AUB in September 2006, he was an economist in the World Bank’s Middle East regional office, where he did research related to poverty reduction and economic management in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt. Diwan met with Chaaban to discuss the condition of Lebanon’s economy, at a time when the country’s economic health is high in the preoccupations of many Lebanese.

About the Author

Ghida Tayara

Senior Digital and Web Coordinator

Ghida Tayara
Senior Digital and Web Coordinator
EconomyLevantLebanonMiddle East

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

More Work from Diwan

  • Commentary
    Diwan
    Rubble is Israel’s Doctrine, Not a Case of Improvisation

    Adversaries are to be degraded so deeply, that reconstitution becomes difficult or impossible.

      Nathan J. Brown

  • Commentary
    Diwan
    A Geographic and Social Reconfiguration in Lebanon

    Israel is encroaching on the country’s territory, while the Lebanese look askance at one another.

      Issam Kayssi

  • Commentary
    Diwan
    Pushing Beirut into an Armed Conflict With Hezbollah Is Insane

    The party’s domestic and regional roles have changed, so Lebanon should devise a disarmament strategy that encompasses this.

      Michael Young

  • Commentary
    Diwan
    Why Does the Middle East Suffer “Forever Wars”?

    Because perpetual conflict enhances control, offers economic benefits, and allows leaders to ignore popular preferences.

      • Angie Omar

      Angie Omar

  • Commentary
    Diwan
    Where is the Groundwork for Lebanon’s Negotiations With Israel?

    A prerequisite of serious talks is that the country’s leadership consolidates majority national support for such a process.

      Michael Young

Get more news and analysis from
Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center
Carnegie Middle East logo, white
  • Research
  • Diwan
  • About
  • Experts
  • Projects
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Careers
  • Privacy
  • For Media
Get more news and analysis from
Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center
© 2026 Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. All rights reserved.