Middle East Community Development the Essay

Their primary operations revolve around programs of exchange and dialogues, but also the offering of support for various endeavors aimed at increasing social and economic stability for the Egyptian population (HANDS Website, 2006).

The institution was founded in 1988 and has since offered its support to more than 30 local organizations that were struggling to improve the quality of life for the native population. Aside the moral and economic help, the institution also plays a major role in building bridges between the two cultures by encouraging United States citizens to volunteer in Egypt and becoming better acquainted with the country's features. The volunteers not only gain knowledge of the world, but also help the Egyptians by providing them with specialized consultancy. "HANDS provides volunteer opportunities for American professionals and students, where they can offer time and expertise to Egyptian civil society strengthening programs" (Volunteers for Prosperity). One such program is the Medical Mission Trip, which occurs on yearly basis and strives to increase the knowledge of the local employees in the medical sector and other volunteers as well as focuses on "community health campaigns" (Volunteers for Prosperity).

The success of the Hands Along the Nile Development Services is definite, with major improvements having been made in health care, problem and conflict resolution, spiritual finding, partnerships between Egyptian villages and social services (HANDS Website).

4. Conclusions

Through its features, the Orient has captured the attention of numerous players in the international context, which strive to see that development is brought to the area. The interest of the United States in the development of the Middle East region is twofold, on the one hand sitting the altruist desire to resolve the problems in the area, ensure peace and stability and reduce chronic hunger. Yet, on the other hand, there is the direct economic interest, revolving basically around the fact that the Middle East represents a rich source of cost effective labor force, valuable business opportunities, as well as an important trade partner. Additionally, it offers access to valuable natural resources, such as timber and oil, which are beginning to become scarcer in other global regions.

Egypt is an outstanding member of the Middle East community and the elements that differentiate it constitute the main reasons as to why developmental focus should be placed on the Nile-bisected state. More specifically, the setting on the Nile River has allowed it to more adequately and fruitfully use its already scarce agricultural land. Then, the once centralized economy has opened its door to international trade and constitutes a valuable partner. Finally, the country is prepared for change and proof of this is obvious in the reforms they have already implemented and the results these endeavors have by now generated.

Despite these developments however, much remains to be done and the country needs the assisted support of various international institutions that will help Egypt make the transition from an enclosed and less developed economy to a highly developed and successful country. One such entity is the Hands Along the Nile Development Services, which has already managed to improve the quality of social services as well as other issues, all to lead to improved living conditions.

References:

Ezza, A., The Gateway to Egypt -- The Land of Opportunities, The Confederation of Egyptian European Business Association, Retrieved from http://www.imove-germany.org/images/05-09-14_Ezz_Wirtschaftliche_Rahmenbedingungen.pps on June 23, 2009

2006, Egypt: U.S.$200 Million from WB to Develop Railways, Encyclopedia.com, http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-145748342.html last accessed on June 23, 2009

2006, HANDS Website, http://www.handsalongthenile.org last accessed on June 23, 2009

2009, The World Factbook, Central Intelligence Agency, https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2001rank.html last accessed on June 23, 2009

About Hands Along the Nile Development Services, Inc. Volunteers for Prosperity, http://www.volunteersforprosperity.gov/busorg/profiles/handsalongthenile.htm last accessed on June 23, 2009