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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 5:45 GMT by Irish Examiner
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The Global Crisis in the Arid Heart of the Middle East: A Deep‑Dive into the Irish Examiner’s Latest World Report

The Irish Examiner’s most recent world piece, “ARID – A crisis that can’t be ignored,” brings the spotlight onto a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian disaster unfolding in the arid regions of the Middle East. The article, published on 12 September 2023, follows the UN’s latest Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) assessment that puts nearly 12 million people in Yemen and the adjoining parts of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates at risk of famine. In a region where water is a scarce commodity and climate change is exacerbating already precarious conditions, the report serves as a stark reminder that the global community cannot afford to look away.

1. The Scope of the Emergency

According to the FAO’s “Famine Early Warning Systems Network” (FEWS NET), the drought that began in late 2022 has compounded the effects of the protracted civil conflict in Yemen. The Examiner’s writers highlight that three‑quarters of the country’s agricultural output has been destroyed, leading to an estimated $9 billion loss in the agricultural sector. In addition, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that over 5.5 million people have been displaced, with 2.1 million children living in overcrowded, unsanitary camps.

The piece draws on a recent UN‑hosted conference in Geneva, where delegates from 17 governments, 12 NGOs and 5 UN agencies discussed the need for a coordinated relief strategy. The article quotes a representative from the World Food Programme (WFP) who emphasized that the food security deficit has now reached a point where “unprecedented scale interventions are required.”

2. Water Scarcity and Climate Change

One of the article’s key sections is devoted to the “water crisis” that lies at the heart of the famine. It cites the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), which reports that the region has experienced a 30 % drop in groundwater recharge rates since 2005. The Examiner explains that this decline has been exacerbated by reduced rainfall, higher evaporation rates and the expansion of industrial mining operations that extract vast amounts of groundwater.

The report also touches on the larger theme of climate change. It refers to a 2023 IPCC Special Report that identified the Arabian Peninsula as one of the most vulnerable regions to global warming. The Irish Examiner notes that a 2 °C rise in temperature could make the Sahelian belt even more hostile to agriculture, threatening the livelihoods of millions in the broader Gulf region.

3. International Response and Aid Efforts

The article gives a comprehensive overview of the international aid landscape. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has already delivered over 300 000 tonnes of grain to the most affected areas. In addition, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced a $200 million humanitarian package in July, which the Examiner reports was earmarked for food distribution, water purification, and healthcare services.

A significant portion of the article is dedicated to the role of the European Union (EU). The EU’s “Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection” office has pledged an additional €50 million to support emergency food distribution and maternal‑child health programs. The piece quotes the EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid, who stresses that “the EU must ensure a coordinated approach that balances immediate relief with long‑term resilience building.”

4. Local Voices and Grassroots Initiatives

To give the piece a human dimension, the Examiner includes testimonies from local NGOs operating on the ground. Al‑Mubarak Foundation, a Yemen‑based humanitarian group, reports that its field workers have witnessed the “devastation of entire villages,” where families are forced to sell livestock or travel days on foot to secure a meal. The article also spotlights a community‑led initiative in the town of Taiz, where volunteers have set up solar‑powered desalination units to supply clean drinking water to nearby villages.

The article underscores the critical role of technology and data sharing. OpenStreetMap and the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT) are mentioned as tools that allow volunteers to map inaccessible areas, enabling aid organizations to direct resources more efficiently. The Irish Examiner notes that “this partnership between local communities and global volunteers is an example of how digital tools can bridge the gap between crisis and solution.”

5. What Comes Next?

The article closes with an urgent call to action. It argues that the current trajectory could culminate in a full‑scale famine by early 2024 if the international community does not mobilise swiftly. The piece urges readers to consider the economic costs of inaction: the cost of food insecurity could exceed $120 billion in lost productivity over the next decade.

The Irish Examiner also highlights an upcoming United Nations General Assembly session where member states will debate a resolution on “Climate‑Resilient Agriculture in Arid Regions.” The article encourages readers to follow the developments, suggesting that the outcome will shape the next generation of humanitarian aid policies.

Bottom Line

The Irish Examiner’s “ARID” article is a meticulously researched, multi‑source exposé that captures the complexity of a crisis that sits at the intersection of war, drought, and climate change. By weaving together statistics from the FAO, first‑hand accounts from local NGOs, and policy analyses from the UN and EU, the piece not only informs but also galvanises its readership to recognise the urgency of the situation. For anyone who believes that global crises are distant or abstract, this article is a sobering reminder that the stakes are literal: millions are eating their last meals.