COVID-19 & Conflict in the Middle East

COVID-19 & Conflict in the Middle East

Introduction

The Middle East is in turmoil, with civil wars raging in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Libya. Hundreds of thousands of people were killed last year alone, and the number of children forced to fight as soldiers has doubled. Between these four conflicts more than 20 million people have been displaced, and approximately 35 million people are in daily need of humanitarian aid, according to the Pew Research Center.1

Embroiled in conflict, the Middle East requires a significant international effort to improve conditions on the ground. The 2018 U.S. National Defense Strategy (NDS) specifically directs our military to build and maintain partners and allies worldwide.2 Generally, the United States and its partners have focused on stabilizing the Middle East, fighting terrorists, and working with local partners to build long-term governance and peace. Much of the work going forward must address global stabilization — which will be imperative for civilians to return to their homes, contribute to economic development, and begin to rebuild their lives. These lengthy and bloody conflicts have eroded the motivation of some American political leaders who would prefer to have the United States withdraw from them.

COVID-19 is now an additional factor on top of the violence and monumental international support tasks, all of which require a sustained commitment. The effects of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic highlight the need for more robust international stabilization efforts to achieve long-term peace and self-sufficiency in the Middle East.

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https://www.mei.edu/sites/default/files/2021-01/COVID-19%20and%20Conflict%20in%20the%20Middle%20East.pdf