A conversation with US Acting Assistant Secretary Joey Hood on economic priorities in the Middle East Wed, Feb 24, 2021 11:00 AM A conversation about US economic development priorities in the Middle East with US Acting Assistant Secretary Joey Hood The stability of the Middle East is highly dependent on economic prosperity. Unfortunately, a weakening economic outlook due to the decline in oil prices and ongoing regional conflicts is exacerbated by the pandemic. The young and growing demographics of the region require swift action to create jobs. Without a long-term regional economic strategy that empowers the region’s rich human capital to contribute meaningfully to the economy, we will continue to go from one crisis to the next. The pandemic is providing a strong catalyst for change and sparking economic diversification and growth.