Western aid will not fix the region’s ills

A western economic plan for the Middle East sounds like a good idea but misses the mark

Former United States general John Allen has called for a new economic initiative for the Middle East similar to the Marshall Plan for Europe after the Second World War. Robyn BECK / AFP Photo

Former United States general John Allen has called for a new economic initiative for the Middle East similar to the Marshall Plan for Europe after the Second World War. Gen Allen, who was president Barack Obama’s special envoy to the coalition fighting ISIL, believes that a western-backed economic plan is the best way to address the root causes of extremism in the region and ISIL’s primary recruitment materials.

The general is correct that poverty and a growing youth population that feels limited in employment and advancement options are serious challenges that extremists have exploited for their own nefarious ends. It is also understandable that serious people are looking for a historical precedent that could provide the framework for solving the endemic challenges of the region. However, a Marshall Plan is not the right precedent when it is inspected closely.

Fears of undue western influence in the Middle East, in the form of cultural and economic imperialism, are long standing and not without basis.

Extremist groups have long been able to exploit anti-western sentiment for recruitment purposes. Thus, a visible economic initiative such as a new Marshall Plan could be seen by many as cynical attempt by the West to entrench its dominance. Additionally, the original Marshall Plan for Europe was aided by a genuine exchange of ideas and common culture. While there are similar elements of commonality between the US and the Middle East, they are nowhere close to the bonds that America shares with Europe.

Ultimately, there is much that the US and Middle Eastern countries can do to resolve issues of job creation, reform and disenfranchisement that lead to radicalisation. The anti-extremist messaging spearheaded by Abu Dhabi’s Sawab Centre, a joint project by the US and the UAE to counter ISIL propaganda, is a good example of the constructive efforts aimed at eroding ISIL’s support base.

The bigger issue with any plan to reform the region is that such an initiative must materialise organically. Western countries can certainly play a role in assisting governments to counter extremist organisations ,but the problems of the Middle East will not be solved by the outside. In the absence of regional cooperation on poverty and youth engagement, the priority must be assisting those in need, whether in Syria, Libya or Palestine. Once the chaos of war subsides, the region will have to create its own plan for economic stability.