Although a country with mighty oil and gas reserves, in the past two years its struggling economy has resulted in widespread food shortages. Turkmenistan is one of the most isolated and consolidated authoritarian regimes in the world. It lacks basic freedoms, judicial independence, and accountable institutions, and it discriminates against ethnic minorities. Turkmenistan’s dictator seeks to control every aspect of life. The government justifies its tough methods with a need to prevent an escalation of radical Islam. On the World Watch List persecution ranking, Turkmenistan fell from 19 to 25, however, the country is still one of the world’s most oppressive. Christians are often labeled as “extremists” and face persecution from authorities and local communities. There are only about 1000 Christian Believers in this nation.

Qatar jumped 11 spots from last year’s World Watch List and has escalated to the 18^th position. Severe violence against Christians rose sharply. Churches were forced to stay closed after COVID-19 restrictions. The Christian believers in Qatar face intense pressures daily for following Jesus Christ. Qatar is an absolute monarchy ruled by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani the Emir. The State of Qatar, unlike many other Middle Eastern nations, has successfully avoided the unrest and violence of the Arab Spring. The peninsula nation bordering the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia was part of the Turkish-Ottoman Empire and then operated under British protection. Nearly 80% of the population is Muslim, and it is forbidden to criticize the ruling family or Islam or to share the Gospel. Many expatriates have been forced to leave the country as a result of speaking about Christ.