Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Don't look now!

While no one is looking, the Lebanese government engages in a "classical" IMF structural adjustment program. The opposition, as usual, has nothing to say. A few economists, when prodded, make mild statements. But the staff in the Economy page of Al Akhbar wont let it pass: Rasha Abu Zaki writes about it, and Mohammad Zbib is flabbergasted: While the IMF itself is advising the Lebanese government to cool its ardor regarding the IMF-styled reforms, and the World Bank advises against the privatization of electricity, the Sanioura government is adamant on "liberating" the economy. And the opposition, Zbib says, has not even taken a position. Isn't this surreal?

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