Where Will The Irish And Egyptians Go?

One of the by-products of unrest and austerity in Ireland is that many of the well-educated and well-paid have left the country or are in the process of doing so. The Wall Street Journal and several other media have made this point. But, Ireland is not the only nation which faces this problem. It occurs in Greece, and may eventually in Portugal.

And, the trend will almost certainly spread to the Middle East. Expatriates have already left Libya and Egypt.  Some of the best of the best of the citizens of these places will likely flee the region as well.

The Middle East will probably suffer from a “brain drain” which it can hardly afford. Countries there will not be able to overhaul their governments without capable people.  Roads, bridges and airports that have fallen into disrepair may have to be rebuilt.  Engineers and scientists who flee these nations might have been the core of their renaissances.

Another question about these emigrants  is where they may go. The US should get most of them because of its democracy and affluence. EU nations may get some of the intellectuals from troubled nations. Germany is an attractive destination with a stable economy and an advanced science, university, and finance system.  Few will wind up in China.

It is too early to tell where the Diaspora will eventually go, but the drain is not one that the developing nations in turmoil can afford.

Douglas A. McIntyre