Thread by @Diplomacy_Peace

LIVE 🔴 Our virtual panel "The Impact of #COVID19 on Security and Stability in the Middle East" in w/ @DSF_Group has just begun!

Keynote:
@StefMccollum

Panellists:
@b_momani
@HorakDennis
@LucianoZaccara
@Rothna_Begum

Moderator:
@SanamF24

Follow this thread for updates.

Please join us in welcoming Ambassador @StefMccollum to our panel discussion. We look forward to your keynote speech!

Ambassador @StefMccollum's speech will focus on how Canada's Middle East foreign policy strategy has evolved since the onset of the #COVID19 pandemic. Join the discussion here. #cdnpoli us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regist…

Ambassador @StefMccollum: Globally, Canada has provided international assistance to support humanitarian responses associated with COVID:
▪️ $96 mil provided to @WHO
▪️ $140 mil for vaccine development
▪️ $42.5 mil for #health security capacity-building

Ambassador @StefMccollum: Investments in security and stability via development and #humanitarian support reflect the importance that Canada places on relationships with Middle Eastern countries.

Ambassador @StefMccollum: Canada is working to provide #COVID healthcare support in the Middle East multilaterally, and through NGOs on the ground who are best placed to maximize the benefits of funding.

Ambassador @StefMccollum: 🇨🇦 recognizes that int'l supply chains are under immense pressure and that keeping them open is crucial. Working closely with int'l partners (G20, others) to ensure that goods and services can flow freely.

Thank you for joining us Ambassador @StefMccollum! That concludes our first portion of the event.

We are now joined by moderator @SanamF24 and panellists @b_momani, @HorakDennis, @LucianoZaccara + @Rothna_Begum. Follow their discussion here: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regist…

.@SanamF24: (to all panellists) What are the likely short and long term impacts of the pandemic on security and stability in the Middle East?

@HorakDennis: If there is a post-COVID word, I think things will go back to where they were before. The fundamental perspectives are not going to change coming out of COVID-19.

@LucianoZaccara: We were initially optimistic about the possibilities of using #COVID19 as a platform for dialogue among countries in the ME, but what we see is the exacerbation of pre-existing conflicts in the region.

.@b_momani: Every country is trying to do more with less under #COVID19. Govt's across the region have not done enough to build trust among their population. Can't fight the crisis by controlling the narrative, populations have the tools to stay informed.

.@Rothna_Begum: COVID-19 is having a different impact on different countries. For example, Saudi Arabia's human rights situation has deteriorated, and there are still at least 5 women's rights activists that have yet to be released.

.@Rothna_Begum: When it comes to tackling long-standing #HumanRights violations exasperated by COVID -- including violence against women and violence against migrant labourers -- shelters, hotlines and hotels could be repurposed to serve vulnerable populations.

.@Rothna_Begum: We have an opportunity to do things differently, and imagine alternative and more equitable versions of what society could look like.

.@LucianoZaccara: Iran has learned to deal with economic sanctions for years, but #COVID19 was unexpected and the people are suffering the most.

.@b_momani: The virus feeds off of places that are dense and poor. Informal workers and day labourers -- often racialized populations and women -- lack the ability to lock down and stay home.

.@b_momani: Working-class in the region lack confidence in government and public health officials. Whether or not people trust their gov't to tell the truth will impact the success of public health strategies.

.@Rothna_Begum: Canada is well-positioned to play a mediating role in the ME. Saudi Arabia should be held accountable for its #HumanRights violations.

.@HorakDennis: There is no political will in Canada to politically engage in the region, because I don’t think the government has any interest in doing so. We are not well-positioned with some of the key regional players like Iran and Saudi Arabia.

.@Rothna_Begum: Globally, we need to make sure that every single country is not losing out due to COVID. We cant maintain travel restrictions for the rest of our lives!

.@b_momani: There has always been an over-emphasis on terrorism in the region. The average Middle Easterner is facing an array of socio-economic issues beyond this single issue.

.@b_momani (con't): That said, we have seen a resurgence of ISIS, and new activity is concerning. However, the expansion of Iraq's professional national army is beneficial. Without a competent professional national army, there is space for warlords to create their own fiefdoms.

.@HorakDennis: Canadian Arms contracts are subject to export controls that take #HumanRights into account. Weapons systems provided to SA, to my knowledge, were not being used to commit HR violations. When there is clear evidence of HR violations, there are exit strategies.

.@b_momani: My university lost two Iranian students in January. I am very proud of what Canada has been doing about the downing of the passenger flight, and hope to see families get justice.

.@HorakDennis: Canada has various Middle East strategies, though what I would like to see is a much more comprehensive approach. And maybe COVID has provided us with that opportunity. How can we help the region, but what do we want in the region?

.@LucianoZaccara: As scholars, diplomats, journalists, we need to think in a more holistic way about our approaches to security.

... And that's a wrap! Thank you to our fantastic moderator
@SanamF24, our distinguished panellists @b_momani, @HorakDennis, @LucianoZaccara + @Rothna_Begum and our keynote @StefMccollum. The full discussion will be made available on IPD's website soon.

📅Our next panel, 'The Impact of COVID-19 on Canada’s #ForeignPolicy' will take place on Sept 23. Follow @Diplomacy_Peace for more publications, conferences, policy briefings and discussions. peacediplomacy.org/2020/09/15/sep…