Mofeed Digest (Feb-April 2020)

The following digest summarizes the most important scholarly and policy publications, reports, and articles covering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the politics, economies, and societies of the Arab world. This issue of the Mofeed Digest was produced by Gheed El Bizri.

[MENA | Algeria| Bahrain| Comoros| Djibouti| Egypt| Iraq| Jordan| Kuwait| Lebanon| Libya| Mauritania| Morocco| Oman| Palestine| Qatar| Saudi Arabia| Somalia| Sudan| Syria| Tunisia| UAE| Yemen]

MENA

[Back to Top]

Compliance and Stringency Measures in Response to COVID-19: A Regional Study
Journal of Behavioral Economics for Policy, Date Unspecified
This study looked at the policy response and COVID-19 daily case progression of 13 MENA countries to assess the effectiveness of stringency measures in managing the spread of the virus.

Economics in the Time of COVID-19
Centre for Economic Policy Research, Date Unspecified
This article examines the channels through which COVID-19 may affect the Middle East and North Africa, including oil prices, value chains, and tourism and travel.

The Coronavirus: Potential Effects on the Middle East and North Africa
Economic Research Forum, 10 March 2020
This article explains the negative impact of COVID-19 in the MENA region with regard to infections and effects on oil prices, value chains, and tourism.

Brookings Experts on the Implications of COVID-19 for the Middle East and North Africa
Brookings Institution, 26 March 2020
This OP-ED reports on macroeconomic instability and economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It also discusses the ways in which the virus can be a conflict-multiplier across the region.

COVID-19 in the Middle East and North Africa: Reactions, Vulnerabilities, Prospects
GIGA Focus, April 2020
This article details the various responses to the coronavirus in the MENA region and the political implications.

The Securitization of the Coronavirus Crisis in the Middle East
Project on Middle East Political Science, April 2020
This working paper assesses the framing of the pandemic through the lens of the securitization theory. It discusses the application of that theory through the responses of certain countries in the Middle East.

Economic Consequences of COVID-19 in the Middle East: Implications for U.S. National Security
The Rand Corporation, 1 April 2020
This article assesses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economies in the Middle East that may be particularly affected by the fall in oil prices. It also explains what that impact means for the United States as it tries to maintain its influence in the region.

The Impact of Covid-19 on the Middle East and North Africa
Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, 16 April 2020
This article reports on the responses of different MENA states to the COVID-19 outbreak.

COVID in the Maghreb: Responses and Impacts 
Project on Middle East Political Science, 21 April 2020
This working paper analyzes the impact of the pandemic on Maghreb countries’ economic performance and political situation as well as offer predictions on how that impact will change over time. 

Algeria

[Back to Top]

Analysis of Social Resilience to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Algeria
Geomatics, Landmanagement and Landscape, Date Unspecified
This paper is a study that aims to understand and overcome the peculiarity of the novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) in Algeria.

COVID-19 Epidemic in Algeria: Assessment of the Implemented Preventive Strategy
medRxiv, April 2020
This article studies the effects of COVID-19 mitigation measures in Algeria.

Bahrain

[Back to Top]

How Bahrain is Leading from the Front on Coronavirus Containment
The National, 30 March 2020
This article evaluates the Bahraini state’s response to the pandemic. It touches upon the massive contact-tracing operation, the quick provision of isolation wards, the online learning system, the availability of human and capital resources, and the ways of addressing misinformation.

The Kingdom of Bahrain and COVID-19: Bahrain's Reaction to the Global Pandemic
CharlesRussel Speechlys, 7 April 2020
This articles outlines decisions that Bahrin’s government implemented to limit the spread of COVID-19 and to stabilize the economy.

Comoros

[Back to Top]

IMF Executive Board Approves US$12 Million in Emergency Assistance to the Union of the Comoros to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic
International Monetary Fund, 22 April 2022
This article reports on the IMF's emergency assistance to Comoros to help it meet the urgent balance of payment needs stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, help catalyze development partner support, and address imminent health system needs.

Djibouti

[Back to Top]

Republic of Djibouti: COVID-19 Situation Report #3
United Nations Djibouti, 9 April 2020
This situation report provides an overview on Djibouti's coronavirus situation assesses the preparedness and response of multiple sectors.

Djibouti's Economic Update — April 2020
The World Bank, 16 April 2022
This article provides an update on the negative impact of the restriction measures taken by Djibouti's government after the COVID-19 outbreak on its economy.

Egypt

[Back to Top] 

The Early Impact of COVID-19 on Tourism Industry: Assessment of Egyptian Tourism Supply Chain
Operations and Supply Chain Management, Date Unspecified
This paper discusses the effect of COVID-19 on tourism industry in general and on Egypt in particular by investigating the circumstances of different tourism sectors affected by the pandemic, discussing the major impacts, behaviors and experiences of COVID-19 on selected tourism supply chain members in Egypt and providing a rapid assessment of the reported procedures of the three major tourism stakeholders in Egyptian tourism. Finally, this paper summarizes the early resilient practices to the tourism industry in over 2020 and beyond.

What Boes COVID-19 Mean for Egypt's Economy
Middle East Institute, 26 March 2020
This article reports on the signs of improvement in the Egyptian economy, serious challenges, and need for government action based on previous research and reports done by various sources.

Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic on Egypt’s Economy
American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt, 31 March 2020
This research note studies monetary policies and macroeconomic impacts of COVID-19 in Egypt based on insights from AmCham Egypt's 23 sector-based committees as well as public statements by the Central Bank of Egypt, Ministry of Finance, and other Cabinet-level and government agencies.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Manufacturing Sector in Egypt
United Nations Industrial Development Organization, April 2020
This briefing note examines the impact of COVID-19 on the manufacturing industry, as well as policy recommendations and UN initiatives to alleviate the impact of COVID-19 in Egypt.

The Effect of Temperature Upon Transmission of COVID-19: Australia and Egypt Case Study.
SSRN, April 2020
This working paper is based on previous studies on the relationship between climate and the spread of germs and viruses. Australia and Egypt are models to confirm the relationship between temperature and coronavirus activity and spread. The paper aims to test that result in reality through maps of the monthly temperature average during the period from March to November 2020, through study of the case of Australia and Egypt.

Economic Impact of COVID-19 on Tourism and Remittances: Insights from Egypt
International Food Policy Research, 1 April 2020
This article assesses the pandemic's economic impacts for Egypt. Household income, especially for the poor, will be hard-hit, linked to disruptions in tourism and declining remittances. The team provides initial policy insights for support to households and businesses.

In-Depth Look at Egypt’s Economic Sectors amid COVID-19 Outbreak
Egypt Today, 4 April 2020
This article provides a detailed look into each economic sector impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It also reports on the economic measures and plans implemented by Egypt's government.

The COVID-19 Crisis in Egypt
OECD, 20 April 2020
This OECD update provides statistical evidence for the economic impact, policy reactions, and gender-based disparities due to the pandemic in Egypt.

Iraq

[Back to Top] 

Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Surgical Practice in Kurdistan, Iraq: An Online Cross-Sectional Survey
International Journal of Surgery Open, Date Unspecified
This article evaluates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgeons' practices in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Coronavirus Damages Iraqi Economy with Fall in Tourism, Oil Prices
Al-Monitor, 9 March 2020
This article reports on the ways in which COVID-19 harms both the private and public sectors of the Iraqi economy.

COVID-19 in Iraq: The Virus of Social Inequality
OpenDemocracy, 1 April 2020
This article studies the ways in which COVID-19 has aggravated social inequality. It also assesses the role of solidarity amid the outbreak.

COVID 19: Assessing Vulnerabilities and Impacts on Iraq
Chatham House, 7 April 2020
This article is an analysis of the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak in Iraq, a country already in turmoil, facing a myriad of vulnerabilities due to corruption and a lack of governance.

Market Review: "Iraq, Oil Prices, and the Coronavirus"
Iraq-business news, 7 April 2020
This article reports on the global crash in oil prices and its impact on a crisis-stricken Iraq, recently hit by the COVID-19 outbreak.

COVID-19 Response in Iraq: ‘Our Domestic Violence Hotlines Keep Ringing’
Cordaid, 21 April 2020
This article explains Cordaid's response to the rise of domestic violence following the outbreak of COVID-19 in Iraq and the measures taken to reach out to those affected and raise awareness about healthcare program.

Fighting COVID-19 Deepens Iraq’s Humanitarian Crisis
UNICEF, 22 April 2020
This article is an essay detailing the pre-existing humanitarian crisis in Iraq and the ways in which it worsened by COVID-19.

Jordan

[Back to Top] 

Resilience and Decent Work Can Mitigate the Impact of COVID-19 on Jordan’s Labour Market
International Labor Organization, 26 March 2020
This article provides an assessment to better understand the scope of the COVID-19 challenge in Jordan as well as some of the pressing issues confronting workers. 

Rapid Assessment of the Impact of COVID-19 on Vulnerable Women in Jordan
UN Women, April 2020
The report reviews the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on beneficiaries of UN Women Oasis centers in camp and non-camp settings. The assessment includes questions related to the economic situation; health concerns; safety and access to health services; violence against women; the roles of men and women within the household; and access to education.

Refugees at Risk in Jordan’s Response to COVID-19
Middle East Research and Information Project, 9 April 2020
This article reports on the impact of COVID-19 (including containment measures and pre-existing living conditions) on refugees in Jordan as well as Jordan's responses (international aid and funds from ongoing programs.)

Impact of Covid-19 on Vulnerable Populations in Jordan Urban Areas and Azraq
CARE International, 29 April 2020
This rapid needs assessment reports on the impact of both COVID‐19 and the containment measures and restrictions implemented by the Government of Jordan on CARE  Jordan’s beneficiaries, which include the elderly, pregnant and lactating women, people with disabilities (PwDs), and households with serious health risks and needs.

Kuwait

[Back to Top]

COVID-19 Stressors on Migrant Workers in Kuwait: Cumulative Risk Considerations
BMJ Global Health, Date Unspecified
This article reports on the condition of migrant workers after being exposed to additional stressors of the virus and related responses. It provides a comprehensive qualitative cumulative risk assessment framework for migrant workers living in Kuwait.

Kuwait Props up Coronavirus-Hit Economy amid Low Oil Prices
Reuters, 31 March 2020
This article reports on the measures taken by Kuwait to deal with the effects of COVID-19 on the economy amid low oil prices.

UNDP Kuwait Response to Covid-19
UNDP, 28 April 2020
This article details UNDP's plan to tackle the implications of COVID-19 on national development, migrant workers, and gender-related dimensions.

Lebanon

[Back to Top] 

Lebanon’s Economy and Industry Suffer under Coronavirus Impact
Executive Magazine, 23 March 2020
This article reports on the impact of the pandemic on the pre-existing economic crisis in Lebanon.

Lebanon: COVID-19 Worsens Medical Supply Crisis
Human Rights Watch, 24 March 2020
This article studies the scarcity of medical supplies necessary to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak.

Covid-19 Impact: What we know so far - Lebanon
International Planned Parenthood Federation, 31 March 2020
In this interview, Lina Sabra, the Executive Director of the Lebanese Association for Family Health (SALAMA), discusses the impact of COVID-19 on Lebanon.

COVID19: Impact on Lebanese Economy
International Journal of Science and Research, April 2020
This report analyzes the COVID-19 rise in Lebanon as well as the prevalent economic crises, response to COVID-19, expected economic impacts to the largest sectors of Lebanon and the choices which the government faces.

Lebanon: Refugees at Risk in Covid-19 Response
Human Rights Watch, 2 April 2020
This article evaluates the coercive environment and discriminatory policies implemented by Lebanese municipalities as part of their efforts to combat Covid-19, undermining the country’s public health response. It also highlights the responsibility the government has for refugee healthcare and obligations to protect the right to health.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Gender Equality in the Arab Region
United Nations, 6 April 2020
This report discusses proposals set forth by the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and partner United Nations agencies for policies and programs to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women.

The Consequences of the Coronavirus in Lebanon
Arab America, 8 April 2020
This article reports on the government's response to the spread of the virus, the changes in Lebanese people's lifestyles and the impact of COVID-19 on refugees.

Impact of COVID-19 on Migrant Workers in Lebanon and What Employers Can Do about it
International Labour Organization, 15 April 2020
This report provides a summary of the particular vulnerability of migrant workers during the COVID-19 health emergency, with a focus on migrant domestic workers.

The Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic on the Management of Cancer Patients in Lebanon: A Single Institutional Experience
Future Medecine, 23 April 2020
This article reports on the impact of COVID-19 on the management of cancer patients in Lebanon.  Through an institutional experience and specific practices, this article reports on cancer patients' behavior towards COVID-19 amidst a weakened healthcare system in Lebanon.

Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Healthcare of Older Adults: Insights from Lebanon (Middle East)
International Psychogeriatrics, 24 April 2020
This article reports on the local challenges to geropsychiatry practice in Lebanon after the pandemic and current solutions as cited in previous studies and research papers.

Libya

[Back to Top] ​

Gender-Sensitive Prevention, Response and Management of COVID-19 Outbreak in Libya
UN Women, 20 March 2020
This article reports on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women based on  a survey examining the most significant health, social, and economic challenges facing women due to the emergence of the disease in Libya.

Libya: Detainees at Risk of Coronavirus Spread
Human Rights Watch, 29 March 2020
This article details the impact of the coronavirus spread on detainees in Libya as well as measures proposed by the UN to mitigate these effects.

The Impact of Coronavirus and the Continuing War on Tripoli and Western Libya
The Middle East Directions Programme, 16 April 2020
This article reports on the ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates the crisis in Tripoli and the western parts of Libya and destabilizes the economy. It also assesses a number of measures adopted by central and local authorities.

Libya: Historic Discrimination Threatens Right to Health of Minorities in the South amid COVID-19
Amnesty International, 20 April 2020
This article reports on the impact of the spread of COVID-19 on Libya's public health system, undermined by years of armed conflict and insecurity including attacks on medical facilities.

Impact of COVID-19 Restrictive Measures on Health Sector
World Health Organization, 23 April 2020
This article assesses COVID-19 restrictive measures on the health sector in Libya, taking into consideration the scale and urgency of the situation and the capacity of the health system.

Intensifying Shelling and COVID-19 Pandemic Creates ‘Perfect Storm’ in Libya
United Nations, 23 April 2020
This article reports on warnings issued by UN officials about a devastating impact of the coronavirus on people in Libya.

Libya: COVID-19 - Situation Report
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 27 April 2020
This situation report assesses the COVID-19 situation in Libya and its impact on health services in different regions.

Mauritania 

[Back to Top]

Mauritania: Facing the Pandemic of COVID-19
ITUC Africa, 13 March 2020
This article reports on Mauritania's response to the pandemic, its restriction measures, as well as socio-economic incentives to cope with the pandemic's effects.

UNDP Mauritania
UNDP, 4 April 2020
This article provides a situational analysis of Mauritania during COVID-19 pandemic and details the prolonged response of the UNDP to cope with the implications of the pandemic. 

Morocco 

[Back to Top] ​

Can Morocco Effectively Handle the COVID-19 Crisis? 
Chatham House, 6 April 2020 
This article discusses Morocco’s efforts to mitigate the public health and economic impacts of COVID-19.  

COVID-19: Living Through a Pandemic in Morocco
Barcelona Institute for Global Health, 15 April 2020 
This article assesses the economic and social measures the Moroccan government adopted to tackle the problems posed by the pandemic.   

Coronavirus in Morocco Opens Possibilities for New Social Contracts
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 23 April 2020 
This article examines on measures taken by the Moroccan government to tackle the multilayered challenges of the pandemic with a focus on the unsustainability of certain policies aggravating social precarity. 

Coronavirus in Morocco: Economic and Social Implications 
Washington Institute for Near East Policy, 23 April 2020 
This article analyzes the economic and social challenges the COVID-19 outbreak posed to Morocco, as well as the government’s responses to these challenges.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19): Morocco Interrupting the Transmission by Ethics, Logistics, and Therapeutics Efforts 
Journal of Clinical and Experimental Investigations, 28 April 2020 
This article examines the impact of the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 in Morocco. It demonstrates that the various measures adopted by Morocco can be a suitable model for other developing countries.

Oman

[Back to Top] ​

Oman Approves Coronavirus Mitigation Measures
Arab News, 20 March 2020
This article reports on the set of measures taken by Oman to cope with the impact of coronavirus and a sharp decline in global oil prices.  

The Central Bank of Oman’s Response to COVID-19
CMS, 24 March 2020
This article summarizes some of the key COVID-19-related measures announced by the Omani government and how it might assist in providing much needed support to Omani businesses.

COVID-19 Outbreak in Oman: Model-Driven Impact Analysis and Challenges
MedRxiv, 31 March 2020
This paper provides a focused analysis of the COVID-19 situation and explains discrepancies between real cases and cases predicted by the simulation.

The Socio-economic Impact of the COVID-19 Outbreak on Omani Women
UNFPA GCC, April 2020
This is a comprehensive needs-driven and women-centered study to analyze the current and potential impact of the pandemic on Omani women, and creating a linkage between these impacts and the related indicators of the sustainable development goals. Furthermore, the study, which is part of the Oman’s United Nations Country Team (UNCT) response plan, provided insights into the current challenges facing female entrepreneurs in the country, women working in the healthcare sector, and those with special needs, among others.

Palestine

[Back to Top] ​

The Use of Technology to Continue Learning in Palestine Disrupted with COVID-19
Asian Journal of Distance Education, Date Unspecified
This qualitative study examined how decision-makers and teachers have responded to offer education for all Palestinian students at the immediate onset of the COVID-19 outbreak and how technology is being used to continue education online. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 participants from parents, teachers, and decision-makers in Palestine.

Palestine’s COVID-19 Response Plan
World Health Organization Regional Office in the Middle East, 26 March 2020
This paper reports on the COVID-19 situation in Palestine, the government's strategic response, actions to date, as well as the need for financial support and diplomatic engagement.

COVID-19 Response Plan
OCHA, 27 March 2020
The COVID-19 Response Plan for the occupied Palestinian territory presents the joint strategy of the humanitarian community, including UNRWA, to respond to the public health needs and immediate humanitarian consequences of the pandemic in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. This plan seeks to mobilize support to implement the most urgent and critical activities over the next three months.

Structural Violence in the Era of a New Pandemic: The Case of the Gaza Strip
The Lancet, 27 March 2020
This article studies the impact of structural violence on the vulnerable Palestinian population already affected by the pandemic.

COVID-19: Gendered Impacts of the Pandemic in Palestine and Implications for Policy and Programming
UN Women, April 2020
This report analyzes the gendered impact of the pandemic on the Palestinian population.

The Gaza Strip and COVID-19: Preparing for the Worst
International Crisis Group, 1 April 2020
This report focuses on the vulnerability of the situation in Palestine, deeply affected by COVID-19. It reports on quarantine and containment efforts, the battered health care system, and need for urgent mitigating measures.

COVID-19 Restrictions Offer Window into Palestinian Experience
Human Rights Watch, 15 April 2020
This article reports on the lives of the Palestinian population during the pandemic and under the occupation.

Qatar

[Back to Top] ​

COVID-19 Qatar national Response Action Plan  
Ministry of Public Health, March 2020 
This plan sets out the Qatari government’s response to COVID-19.

Qatar: Protect Migrant Workers During Pandemic 
Human Rights Watch, 2 April 2020 
This article reports on the steps taken by the Qatari authorities to protect migrant workers, setting forth recommendations for further action.   

Qatar: Migrant Workers Illegally Expelled during COVID-19 Pandemic 
Amnesty International, 15 April 2020 
This article reports on the mistreatment suffered by migrant workers who were expelled during the pandemic without any explanation. 

Saudi Arabia

[Back to Top] ​

Updating Traditions: Saudi Arabia’s Coronavirus Response
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 26 March 2020
This article reports on Saudi Arabia's coronavirus response as it relates to nationalism, geopolitics, and global economic and political risks.

Saudi Arabia Turns to E-Commerce during Covid-19 Outbreak
Oxford Business Group, 1 April 2020
This article reports on the economic impact of the COVID-19 outbreak in Saudi Arabia, leading to a boost in e-commerce.

Impact of Corona Virus on the Health Care Services in Saudi Arabia
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 10 April 2020
This article establishes the effect of coronavirus on the follow-up, control, screening, vaccination, and quaternary preventions indicators of quality healthcare. 

Saudi Arabia's Economic Update — April 2020
The World Bank, 16 April 2020
This report offers an update on Saudi Arabia's economic situation following the COVID-19 situation.

The impact of COVID-19 on the Banking Sector of Saudi Arabia 
KPMG, 23 April 2020
This report disucsses COVID-19 implication for the bank sector industry in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Tourism Sector Could See 35%-45% Decline this Year on Coronavirus
Reuters, 24 April 2020
This article reports on the negative impact COVID-19 has had on the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia by mentioning the last events affecting tourism and noting the statistics. 

Somalia

[Back to Top] ​

Preparedness and Response Plan COVID-19
International Organization for Migration, April 2020
This report examines the COVID-19 situation in Somalia and the ways the IOM can contribute to national preparedness and response plan.

How Will Remittances Affect the Somali COVID-19 Response?
The London School of Economics and Political Science, 7 April 2020
This article reports on the effects of remittances on the Somali COVID-19 response.

COVID-19 in Somalia: A Conflict-Sensitive Response to Overlapping Crises
Saferworld, 15 April 2020
This article reports on the overlapping crises existing in Somalia, while providing some recommendations for aid agencies on how to respond to conflict sensitivity.

Somalia: COVID-19 Impact Update No.2 (As of 20 April 2020)
OCHA, 20 April 2020
This article provides an overview of the coronavirus situation in Somalia, the impact of the virus on education, economy, and humanitarian operations. It also reports on the government's humanitarian response to COVID-19.

Somalia Education Sector COVID-19 Response Plan
UNESCO, 22 April 2020
This report discusses a plan for preparing the education sector in Somalia for the COVID-19 outbreak.

Sudan

[Back to Top] ​

Coronavirus Comes to Sudan
Atlantic Council, 30 March 2020
This article reports on Sudan's government prevention efforts as well as political costs incurred due to the coronavirus outbreak.

COVID-19 Socio-Economic Impact Assessment for Sudan
UNDP, April 2020
This report reviews the potential impact of COVID-19 on Sudan, seeking to identify socio-economic structural issues that have rendered the country fragile, and advocating for rebuilding better and more resilient. We explore the impact of the pandemic on economic activities and social sectors, identifying the most vulnerable, and offering suggestions for mitigating measures in line with demands of the revolution for dignity, freedom, and peace.

COVID-19 Spread Could Devastate Millions in Sudan
World Vision International, 14 April 2020
This article focuses on the impact of COVID-19 on children's health as well as World Vision's preparedness and planned response interventions.

Syria

[Back to Top] ​

COVID-19 Pandemic: Syria’s Response and Healthcare Capacity 
Conflict Research Programme, LSE, 25 March 2020 
This memo presents a rapid assessment of the capacity of healthcare system in all parts of Syria to respond to and contain a COVID-19 outbreak.

The Impact Of The COVID-19 Pandemic on Syrians: An Analysis By Syrian Civil Society 
Alnap, 10 April 2020 
This is a comprehensive briefing on the key challenges and concerns facing Syrians and sanctions and restrictions imposed on different regions after the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Impact of Syria’s Fragmentation on COVID-19 Response 
Project on Middle East Political Science, 21 April 2020 
This working paper highlights the several key challenges that impede any meaningful nation-wide disaster response coming from a contested region like Syria, having geographic and political fragmentation, and having to deal with the implications of COVID-19.  

Syria: Aid Restrictions Hinder Covid-19 Response 
Human Rights Watch. 28 April 2020 
This article reports on the aid restrictions preventing millions of people in northeast Syria to get treated for COVID-19. It assesses the general healthcare situation in Syria, details the role of the security council, and provides recommendations.

Tunisia

[Back to Top] ​

Socio-Economic Impacts of Covid-19 on the Tunisian Economy
Journal of the International Academy for Case Studies, 7 March 2020
This paper is a case report analyzing the impact of COVID-19 on the Tunisian economy. 

Tunisia Facing COVID-19: To Exceptional Circumstances, Exceptional Measures?
Arab Reform Initiative, 17 March 2020
This paper explores how Tunisia’s different institutions have responded to the COVID-19 crisis.

UNHCR Tunisia: COVID-19 Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan
UNHCR, 11 April 2020
This report assesses the progression of COVID-19 in Tunisia and its emergency preparedness and UNHCR's actions to step up its support.

Tunisia’s Citizens and Security Forces Come Together to Combat Coronavirus
United States Institute of Peace, 23 April 2020
This article focuses on the COVID-19 situation in Medenine, in southeast Tunisia, a microcosm of the tense community-police dynamic that prevails across Tunisia.

Setbacks for Freedom of Expression as Tunisia Fights COVID-19
Global Voices, 28 April 2020
This article reports on the attempts to silence Tunisian people who criticize the government's response to COVID-19.

Coronavirus and Tunisia’s Regional Economic Inequalities
Carnegie Endowment International, 29 April 2020
This article discusses the strict measures imposed by the Tunisian government to minimize COVID-19 infections. It also details the economic impact of those measures on the country’s long-marginalized interior regions. 

UAE

[Back to Top] ​

COVID-19 Business Issues in the UAE
Squire Patton Boggs, 21 April 2020
This report summarizes the current status of stimulus and support packages in the UAE.

United Arab Emirates' Economic Update — April 2020
The World Bank, 16 April 2020
This article reports on the UAE's economic situation following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Informing United Arab Emirates’ Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
American University of Beirut, April 2020
This paper examines the UAE's health system and its response to COVID-19.

Yemen

[Back to Top] ​

COVID-19: Impact on Yemen
ACAPS, 10 March 2020
ACAPS held a joint analysis session on 10 March 2020 with 21 participants from 12 organizations to map key risks that may impact the humanitarian situation of Yemenis for the coming six months. This report is based on the feedback and results of the workshop, publicly available data and reports, and key informant interviews with Yemeni experts.

Government, De Facto Authority and Rebel Governance in Times of COVID-19: The Case of Yemen
Project on Middle East Political Science, 20 April 2020
This article considers the case of Yemen, which shows how in conflict-torn or fragmented countries, governments, de facto authorities, and rebels may show a convergent, although not coordinated, response to COVID-19.

COVID-19 in Yemen: Preparedness Measures in a Fragile State
The Lancet Public Health, 23 April 2020
This article summarizes the current preparedness and response to COVID-19 in Yemen in terms of detection, prevention, and response in light of the recent government decisions to establish a national COVID-19 taskforce and response plan.