Dr. Mardini discussed the Syrian refugee crisis in Lebanon and argued for allowing the Syrian refugees to open businesses and work freely. Syrians would reduce the cost of production, allow Lebanon to produce new items (such as textile), and provide more goods, services, and income to the country. On the other hand, the Syrian refugees increased pressure on infrastructure, making it urgent for Lebanon to privatize public services and to switch from the taxpayer model, to user payer model.