Refuting the case for nuclear in the Middle East Article Although the epicenter of the world’s petro- economy, countries in the Middle East understand the need to diversify away from fossil fuels. To do so, some also bet on nuclear energy. The need to transition is most strongly driven by broader regional priorities to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and grow the economy while also providing jobs for the increasing population of young people. At first glance, nuclear seems an apt tool to help the region meet these dual objectives. However, Middle Eastern countries would be better served by investing resourced pegged to nuclear in the more promising solar and wind industries. By Joelle Thomas