State Conflict in the Middle East: History and Impact
Conflict in the Middle East is a complex problem and is rooted in a long history. Since the beginning of the 20th century, various events have shaped the political, social and economic dynamics of the region. One pivotal point was the collapse of the Ottoman Empire after World War I. The creation of new states such as Turkey, Iraq, and Syria, often based on boundaries imposed by Western colonial powers, created long-lasting ethnic and sectarian tensions.
One of the fundamental causes of conflict is religious and sectarian differences, especially between Sunnis and Shiites. This dispute has affected relations between countries and the daily lives of people in a number of countries such as Iraq, Iran and Lebanon. In this context, the emergence of countries such as Iran as a Shiite power and Saudi Arabia as a Sunni power adds to the geopolitical complexity of the region.
The Arab-Israeli conflict is also a major highlight in the Middle East. After the Proclamation of the State of Israel in 1948, a number of wars and intifadas occurred due to prolonged tensions between Israel and Arab countries. The wars of 1967 and 1973 changed the political map and added to old wounds that were difficult to heal. Dissatisfaction with the peace solutions offered, such as the Oslo Accords, led to increasing radicalization among Palestinian society.
Additionally, the 2003 US invasion of Iraq led to widespread instability. The fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime created a power vacuum that sparked the emergence of extremist groups such as ISIS. The spread of this extremist ideology not only threatens regional but also global security, as evidenced by a series of widespread terrorist attacks throughout the world.
In an economic context, the conflict in the Middle East has a significant impact on the global energy sector. This region holds almost half of the world’s oil reserves, which makes it a center of attention for many countries. Political instability often affects oil prices and triggers energy crises in various parts of the world.
The social impact of this conflict is no less significant. Millions of people were forced to flee their homes, creating a refugee crisis that hit Europe and neighboring countries. People’s daily lives have been disrupted, with education and health being the most affected sectors. Many children in conflict areas lose access to education, which impacts their future.
In addition, the conflict has triggered polarization in public opinion, both in the region and outside the Middle East. The international community is torn between supporting certain countries and condemning the human rights violations that occur. The media also plays a large role in shaping narratives, often emphasizing one side over another, further reinforcing stereotypical perceptions among global society.
In order to achieve lasting peace, a contextual approach is needed that involves inter-religious dialogue and diplomatic cooperation. Although the challenges faced are enormous, the region’s history teaches us the importance of respecting differences and listening to diverse voices. Only in this way can the Middle East achieve the desired stability.