In its 2001 report, the USTR says that Egypt has not enacted modern intellectual property legislation to comply with its international obligations, although it adds that it has been encouraged by reports that the laws may be passed soon. Lebanon is taken to task over its severe copyright piracy problem and the lack of action by the government to enforce its own copyright laws.

Kuwait remains on the general watchlist due to continuing concerns about copyright piracy. After a year off the list, Qatar is back on, due to draft amendments to its copyright laws not being signed or implemented. While Saudi Arabia is commended for the progress it has made in enforcing intellectual property rights, the USTR says that high losses continue to be experienced by US copyright and trademark-based industries.