Conflict Transformation and Prevention in Tunisia

Tunisia is the only country to emerge from the Arab Spring with a functioning democratic government. This chapter argues that a powerful private sector prevented violence from erupting during the Jasmine Revolution and has helped keep stability since. Activists in the main labor union, UGTT, played a leading role in spreading information and participating in the early responses to the Bouazizi self-immolation. Businesses and their organizations have played an important role in Tunisia’s continuing transition to democracy. Tunisia’s transition to a democratic state with strong institutions and capacity is far from over, however. While Tunisia has been celebrated as the success story of the Arab Spring, but the state remains very weak and requires fundamental reforms, especially in the security sector. This chapter looks at the role of corporations in Tunisia’s democratic transition and their importance as the country moves forward.

A Minority became a Majority in the Punjab

The Punjabi Suba came into being after various sacrifices and struggles. The Indian Government appointed ‘Shah Commission’ to demarcate the boundaries of Punjab and Haryana. The reorganization bill was passed on the basis of recommendations of this committee only. Punjab was divided into two states; Punjabi Suba and Haryana under Punjab Reorganization Act, 1966. Certain areas of undivided Punjab were given to Himachal Pradesh. However, Haryana was raised as a rival to the state of Punjabi language (which was to be made for Punjab). Common links had been made for Punjab and Haryana. Haryana was the area of Hindi-speakers. It could have been easily amalgamated with neighboring Hindi states of Rajasthan and U.P. But, the state of Punjab, which was demanding the areas of Punjabi –speakers, was crippled and made lame as well. Such seeds were sown for its future of economic growth that would not let it move forward. Haryana welcomed the Act of reorganization. But, it was opposed by the Akalis. Sant Fateh Singh threatened to go on `fast unto death` and resort to self-immolation as a protest against it. As a result, the common forums were removed for Haryana and Punjab and Sant Fateh Singh and the Akali Dal welcomed this decision. There was a considerable impact on the political, economic and social conditions of Punjab after the formation of Punjabi Suba. Punjab became a Sikh-majority area. If at all the Punjabi language had been implemented then its entire credit goes to the speakers of Punjabi for the first time.

Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Lethality of Suicide Cases

Background: Studies show that the COVID-19 pandemic has promoted distress and stress-related symptoms in the general population. It has also increased the suicide rate in vulnerable groups who cannot handle the social and psychological consequences of the pandemic and the measures in place to halt it. Objective: In this study, we compared the lethality of suicide attempts and the methods chosen between the three months before the COVID-19 pandemic and three months during curfew and lockdown in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This is a retrospective, causal-comparative study conducted at King Saud Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 62 suicide attempt cases between January 2020 and June 2020 were included in this study. The scale for assessment of the lethality of suicide attempts (SALSA) was used for comparison, and cross-tabulation was used for the data of suicide methods. Results: There was a significant difference (P = 0.003) in the total SALSA score before and during the COVID-19 lockdown. The scores of lethality of suicide attempts were high during the lockdown. No significant difference was found in the suicide methods selected between the two time periods. However, the use of psychotropic medication overdose and self-immolation were prominent during the lockdown period. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic is likely associated with increased lethality of suicide attempts as well as an increased suicide rate. The development of appropriate mental health services is required.