Hardbound. This special issue, sponsored by the Middle East Economic Association is the first thematic volume offered in this series. Devoted to the thorny topic of the economic dimensions of peace in the Middle East, it is hoped that this book will clarify some of the main issues confronting different Middle Eastern actors in a post-Oslo world and provide a basis for further inquiry and exploration.

This volume contains three main themes. The first theme relates to financial developments in the MENA region, emphasizing the role of stock markets and portfolio flows, foreign direct investments and private and public savings in the growth and development experience of the region. We see echoed throughout the first few chapters the notion that financial liberalization has many benefits as well as risks not only for the countries involved, but for international investors as well. For the countries of this region, we see the promise of enhanced growth and development through more developed...