Although a country with mighty oil and gas reserves, the past two years its struggling economy has resulted in widespread food shortages. Turkmenistan makes its name one of the most isolated and consolidated authoritarian regimes in the world. It lacks basic freedoms, judicial independence, accountable institutions, and it discriminates against ethnic minorities. Turkmenistan’s dictator seeks to control every aspect of life. The government justifies its tough methods by a need to prevent an escalation of radical Islam. Though Turkmenistan has a persecution ranking of only 19, the country is still one of the world’s most oppressive.

Qatar is listed in 29^th position in the World Watch report 2021 by Open Doors for Christian persecution. 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.