This study analyzes the food markets of Jordan;; Syria;; Lebanon;; Palestine;; Iran;; Iraq;; and Yemen (ME-ODC Countries);; to better understand their dynamics;; particularly in light of the sudden flare in food prices.

The fifth volume in the series of Arab Human Development Reports sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme and independently authored by intellectuals and scholars from Arab countries. The report argues that human security is a prerequisite for human development;; and that the widespread absence of human security in Arab countries undermines people's options.