1. the u. s. economy was in recession at the end of the first decade of this century. compared to previous economic downturns, more jobs were lost, but the job market quickly recovered fewer jobs were lost, and the economy recovered more quickly this recession lasted longer, but there was less unemployment this recession lasted longer and had a deeper impact on employment 2. in the middle east, may present a serious obstacle to achieving democratic governments. high costs of education lack of sufficient resources tribal and religious groups apathy