Dawn of Egypt in a Changing World
Report: February 2022
UAE Dragon Oil Company announced a new petroleum discovery in the Gulf of Suez in Egypt. 16 February 2022. Source: https://www.egypttoday.com/
While may not be acknowledged or observed due to the events happening around the world, Egypt will be a main player in the socioeconomic development of the region. Fueled by satellite images of scientific discoveries in Egypt and North Africa, major sources of energy are being continuously discovered which allow it to assume a leadership not only at the level of the Middle East but also at the level of the world.
1- The Socio-Economic Situation
Egypt
Corona cases, deaths and recovered are distributed as follows:
-473,449 corona confirmed cases
-403,967 recovered
-23,857 deaths
Egypt expects a 6% economic growth thanks to its reform policies and its investment in renewable and non-renewable energy sectors.
During the Egyptian Petroleum Show 2022 conference in Cairo, Egypt has officially joined the International Energy Agency thus demonstrating to the world and to region, it is an economic power. Experts suggested that Egypt played its cards in a smart way by benefitting from gas assets to switch to the energy market. Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, pledged his full support for Egypt’s endeavor in the energy field and for its hosting of the COP27 World Climate Summit next November. During that summit, Egypt’s successes in the field of sustainable energy will be discussed and may provide a blueprint or example to how other nations should tackle their energy crisis while minding sustainability as its target. As energy disruption may soon be a point of discussion in Europe, European countries are racing to Egypt to satisfy energy needs. For instance, German energy storage firm H2 Industries will invest $3 billion to establish a green hydrogen plant in Egypt. Located east of Port Said, the plant will have a production capacity of 300 million tons of green hydrogen per year. The project aims to fulfill the Egyptian Government’s goal to increase the proportion of energy production from new and renewable sources to 20 percent of the total energy production in 2022, to reach 42 percent by 2035.
Jordan
Corona cases, deaths and recovered are distributed as follows:
-1,599,422 corona confirmed cases
-1,445,203 recovered
-13,751 deaths
Finance Minister Mohamad Al-Ississ speaks during a Lower House session.
In line with what is happening through various parts of the world, Jordan has decided to ease covid-19 restrictions which had crippled the economy. Since covid-19 related deaths continue to decrease globally and local immunity has reached better levels, COVID-19 restrictions will be eased over phases. Famous Economists such as Khaled Salameh told The Jordan Times that they are optimistic about the 2022 outlook as restrictions begin to ease. Finance Minister Mohamad Al-Ississ took the stage, explaining further reforms are now necessary to protect Jordan from the global inflation occurring around the world. He claimed that the main elements of the economic policy in the next stage are based on implementing structural reforms that preserve financial and monetary stability, enhancing the competitiveness of the business environment, facilitating procedures, reducing costs of practicing businesses and production inputs and focusing on an economy based on technology and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Iraq
Corona cases, deaths and recovered are distributed as follows:
-2,296,665 corona confirmed cases
-2,230,960 recovered
-24,917 deaths
The energy deal with Total is set to encourage other companies to do the same. Source: https://www.arabnews.com/
Recently, Iraq has been removed from the European Union’s list of high-risk countries for money laundering and terrorism financing. Such a move came after a series of diplomatic talks with the EU. The move comes at a time of immense economic hardship in Iraq, and could bring about positive change by attracting direly-needed foreign investment. In other words, the move will make things easier at least on paper, for European and other foreign investors to operate in the country. Moreover, it eases constraints on liquidity and remittances to and from Iraq, among other positive effects for the local banking sector. Another closely-related success that Baghdad succeeded in achieving is the signing of a 27-billion-dollar agreement with France’s Total. The deal was not only meant to inflict direct economic benefits as 27 billion is not a small number. The idea is to attract an energy giant while giving confidence to other energy companies to either expand in Iraq or to stop their exit from the country. Furthermore, Iraq is seeking to also patch up ties with Iran via an Iran-Iraq joint investment opportunities summit. In this way, Iran and Iraq can explore investment options in each other territories.
Lebanon
Corona cases, deaths and recovered are distributed as follows:
-1,053,252 corona confirmed cases
-682,977 recovered
-10,007deaths
“Even in utmost darkness, there is always light.” The biggest illuminated cross in the world, baskinta, lebanon, cross of all nations. Photo credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/348958671107547057/.
Lebanon teeters on the edge of the unknown as the economic crisis is boiling towards a revelation. Fueled by inability to meet the acute needs of a justice-starved population, cataclysmic shifts will occur for good or for bad. Today, judges seeking the truth and nothing but the truth, are either removed from their duties or are publicly discredited. Politics waged by sectarian leaders is once again twisting Lebanese public opinion all for the sake of parliamentary elections. No matter what is the outcome of this struggle, the truth will be revealed and a new age will begin for people who believe in collective action, common understanding, and good will. Currently, Lebanon's banks are resizing to the bleak reality of a crisis they are widely blamed for, by removing employees and closing down bank branches. Meanwhile, the World Bank stated that the small Mediterranean country has an oversized but prosperous banking sector. As lender’s reputation became tarnished, the banking sector started decaying and therefore impacting the economy. People then came to a conclusion that the Lebanese economy was a virtual one. As for the Beirut explosion, victims who had fallen and their families who suffered heartbreak, remain forsaken. One can conclude that the love leaders claim to possess for their people is also virtual.
Whichever current ideological opinion gains popularity in Lebanon, people should not seek to belittle one another but rather strive to approach one another and find good will through collective action. After all, isn’t this the will of Jesus Christ as indicated in the Bible?
Palestine
Corona cases, deaths and recovered are distributed as follows:
-572,854 corona confirmed cases
-540,081 recovered
-5,179 deaths
Palestinians clash with Israeli security forces during a protest in the village of Beit Dajan, near the West Bank city of Nablus, December 24, 2021.
As violence erupts in Palestine, the Palestinian cause is once again at the forefront. While many have been either arrested, detained, or killed, justice is prevailing. At the end of the day, a certain societal consciousness is building across several denominations and societal classes. As such, a certain compromise is being shared across the media: “In the future, Palestinians will have an entity, but not a full-fledged state” as reported in the Munich Security Conference. Judging by what is happening around the world, people can argue that attempts for mediation or even a full-fledged solution may soon come to pass. It is up to Palestinian leaders to stand firm with one another and decipher truly what is going on, using non-violent means. At the end of the day, the world which has been infected by the covid-19 virus is spiraling into socioeconomic downturns and increasing energy crises.
International components have stepped up their concern for the Palestinian cause. For instance, the World Bank urged Israel to lift curbs on Palestinian mobile network and ICT regulations to boost economy. The World Bank suggests that Lifting restrictions on ICT equipment imports and spectrum allocation is necessary for a better digital infrastructure to help tackle soaring unemployment. Moreover, the EU and the PA are in current consultations to invest more money into European billion dollar projects which account to 10% GDP.
Syria
Corona cases, deaths and recovered are distributed as follows:
-53,912 corona confirmed cases
-45,868 recovered
-3,056 deaths
Brothers in Arms. Source: https://www.borgenmagazine.com/art-music-and-poverty-in-syria-how-a-country-in-crisis-is-reclaiming-its-homeland/
As hardship grows in Syria more sanctions are being set in place. For instance, the EU decided to add five members of the Makhlouf family to the list of persons and entities subject to targeted EU restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria. It claimed that these restrictions are designed to avoid any impact on humanitarian assistance, and therefore aim not to affect the delivery of food, medicines and medical equipment. It also stated that the list of sanctioned individuals can be amended depending on certain “changes on the ground”. But from the other end of the spectrum airstrikes are being conducted in territories as the threat of resurging fundamental groups in other areas grows too.
Meanwhile, the UNHCR released a report stating that in 2021 total contributions to the United Nations (UN) and its partners for the Syrian humanitarian crisis amounted to USD 3.6 billion, which is only one-third of the funding required for the year. This figure is the lowest since 2015 which was estimated at USD 10.052 billion. In 2022, funding requirements were estimated at USD 9.78 billion.
In short, there is growing human tragedy growing on the ground, and it is up to all people of different identities and backgrounds to work together to prevent further socioeconomic degradation.
Cyprus
Corona cases, deaths and recovered are distributed as follows:
-311,239 corona confirmed cases
-124,370recovered
-830 deaths
The European Commission’s winter forecast confirms the positive course of the Cypriot economy, Feb 11, 2022, Financial Mirror.
According to the European Commission, Cyprus’s GDP is set to increase by 4.1% in 2022 and 3.5% in 2023. As detailed in the Winter 2022 Economic Forecast, this will be mainly on the back of domestic demand, in particular investment boosted by the Recovery and Resilience Plan, and a small positive contribution from net exports. However, the report only covered economic indicators which do not highlight political changes in the region. In addition to Cyprus’s strive to transform into a greener economy, Cyprus is to settle a dispute with Israel over the gas field on its maritime border. The topic will be addressed in talks between the foreign ministers of Israel and Cyprus, and a meeting is planned between the countries' energy ministers as well. Resolving this dispute will bring tremendous benefits to Cyprus which was able to maneuver past so many hurdles Covid-19 had inflicted on the world.
2- The Refugee Situation
Egypt
The European Commission has announced its humanitarian funding for North Africa for 2022 amounting to €18 million. The funding will support some of the most vulnerable people in Algeria, Egypt and Libya. €5 million in Egypt will help the most vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers stranded in the poorest neighborhoods of urban centers. The funding will enable safe and sustainable access to quality education, protection services and basic needs.[1]
Jordan
The UNHCR states that there are currently 662,790 registered refugees in Lebanon up until the beginning of February.
The proportion of Syrian displaced people registered within the UNHCR for February, are distributed as follows:
-199,191 in Amman Governorate (29.6 %)
-169,092 in Mafraq Governorate (25.1%)
-136,350 in Irbid Governorate (20.3%)
-98,377 in Zarqa Governorate (14.6%)
-18,006 in Balqa Governorate (2.7%)
-13,381 in Madaba Governorate (2%)
-9,295 in Jarash Governorate (1.4%)
-8,534 in Karak Governorate (1.3%)
-8,327 in Maan Governorate (1.2%)
-6,419 in Ajlun Governorate (1.0%)
-3,796 in Aqaba Governorate (0.6%)
-1,695 in Tafilah Governorate (0.3%)
CARE released a statement warning of growing psycho-social and economic pressures on vulnerable Jordanians and refugees in the Kingdom.[2]
A majority of Jordanians, standing at 92%, feel sympathetic towards refugees in Jordan, according to a newly released public opinion survey by UNHCR. [3]
Iraq
The UNHCR states that there are currently 241,682 registered Syrian refugees in Iraq.
The proportion of displaced Syrian people registered within the UNHCR up until the beginning of February, are distributed as follows:
-129,873 in Erbil (50.7%)
-85,924 in Dahuk (33.6%)
-32,607 in Sulaymaniyah (12.7%)
-5,999 in other areas (3%)[4]
The representation office of Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) in Iraq is carrying out a winterization project in Iraqi Kurdistan, for the benefit of 8,625 persons.[5]
The number of grave violations against children significantly decreased in Iraq between August 2019 and June 2021 from 2,114 in the previous report to 317, possibly attributed to the progress made in countering Da’esh (ISIL). This was highlighted in the fourth report of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict in Iraq.[6]
Lebanon
Since the beginning of the year, the number of registered refugees in Lebanon is 865,531.
Refugees in Lebanon are distributed as follows:
-328,335 in Bekaa (39.1%)
-228,788 in North Lebanon (27.2%)
-191,499 in Beirut (22.8%)
-91,166 in South Lebanon (10.9%)[7]
The UNHCR released a statement about the dire consequences the winter storm is inflicting on Syrian refugees. It declared this has been the heaviest in Lebanon’s history.[8]
Syria
Qatar Charity (QC) has deployed a humanitarian aid convoy, for the benefit of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Syria, as part of Qatar Charity’s continued ‘Warmth and Peace’ winter drive.[9]
Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) is responding to the severe weather at the camps of internally displaced people (IDPs) in northern Syria, with a series of activities for the benefit of thousands of Syrians in the sectors of shelter, health care, food aid, and non-food aid. As regards winterization activities, field personnel replaced 510 tents damaged by storms and snow. [10]
The Syrian Arab Fund (SRTF) food security project declared : "Complementary Project for Enhancing Food Security in the North of Aleppo Governorate- Phase V” announced receiving a shipment consisting of 22,248 tons - out of 100,000 tons of polyethylene bread packing bags - contracted under this project.[11]
The SRTF announced the approval of a new health intervention: “Support to Five Primary Health Care Clinics and Two Dialysis Centres in Deir Ez-Zor and Ar-Raqqa Governorates” under its Stabilization. [12]
Cyprus
More and more migrants are arriving in the Republic of Cyprus from the Turkish-administered northern part of the island. On Wednesday night, more than 100 people crossed the buffer zone dividing the Mediterranean island.[13]
“The increased number of migrants attempting to reach Cyprus has raised tensions between Cypriot and Turkish authorities.” claimed SchengenVisaInfo.com
Cyprus’s small city of Chlorakas experiences influx of Migrants coming from Turkish side.[14]
Communication and Public Relations Department
[1] European Commission, Feb 15, 2022,https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_1040
[2] OCHA, Feb 12, 2022, https://reliefweb.int/report/jordan/growing-psycho-social-and-economic-pressures-vulnerable-jordanians-and-refugees
[3] OCHA, UNCHR, Feb 14, 2022, https://reliefweb.int/report/jordan/jordan-iswg-refugee-response-coordination-coronavirus-monthly-updates-january-2022
[4] https://data2.unhcr.org/en/situations/syria/location/5
[5] OCHA, Feb 19, 2022, https://reliefweb.int/report/iraq/qrcs-provides-diverse-winterization-aid-iraq-enar
[6] OCHA, Feb 15, 2022, https://reliefweb.int/report/iraq/iraq-important-decrease-grave-violations-against-children-crucial-protect-children
[7] https://data2.unhcr.org/en/situations/syria/location/71
[8] https://www.alaraby.co.uk/society/
[9] OCHA, Feb 21, 2022, https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/qatar-charity-deploys-humanitarian-aid-convoy-syrian-idps
[10]OCHA, Qatar Red Crescent Society, Feb 20, 2022, https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/qrcs-saves-lives-northern-syria-enar
[11] OCHA, Feb 13, 2022, https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/srtf-food-security-project-receives-shipment-polyethylene-bread-packing
[12] OCHA, Feb 13, 2022, https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/srtf-approves-new-health-intervention-support-five-phccs-and-two
[13] Info Migrants, 2022/02/17, https://www.infomigrants.net/en/post/38604/cyprus-over-100-migrants-cross-buffer-zone-in-one-night
[14] Schengen Visa, Feb 10, 2022, https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/cyprus-small-city-of-chlorakas-experiences-influx-of-migrants/