Main Causes of Conflict in the Middle East

Conflicts in the Middle East have deep historical roots, involving ethnic identity, religion and control of resources. One of the main causes is competition between the Sunni and Shia communities. Since the assassination of Caliph Ali in 661 AD, tensions between these two schools have continued, influencing modern conflicts such as the Syrian War and tensions in Iraq.

Colonization and Remapping

World War I brought major changes with the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. The Sykes-Picot Agreement (1916) defined new national boundaries that often did not correspond to the ethnic or religious identity of the local population. The formation of countries such as Iraq, Jordan and Syria without paying attention to local dynamics sowed the seeds of prolonged conflict.

Arab-Israeli conflict

The Arab–Israeli conflict, beginning with the Balfour Declaration in 1917 and continuing after the creation of the state of Israel in 1948, became a center of tension. The Arab-Israeli War of 1948 to 1973 had profound consequences, including Palestinian refugees and territorial occupation. This contributed to the emergence of movements such as Hamas and Fatah that fight for Palestinian political aspirations.

The Role of Global Superpowers

The involvement of outside countries, especially the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, further complicated the situation. The United States supported Israel more, while the Soviet Union provided support to Arab countries. The 2003 invasion of Iraq by the US-led coalition created chaos that sparked the birth of extremist groups such as ISIS, leading to more violence and instability.

Natural Resource Dynamics

The Middle East is rich in natural resources, especially oil, which often triggers conflict. Control of oil fields, whether by large countries or multinational companies, leads to military intervention and armed conflict. For example, the 1990-1991 Gulf War sparked by Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, underscored the importance of control over these resources.

Social Movements and Revolution

The Arab Spring wave in 2010-2011 was a significant turning point, with people’s hopes for democratic change. However, in many countries, peaceful protests have transformed into armed conflict, as seen in Syria and Libya. External forces involved in supporting certain parties exacerbate the situation, making the conflict difficult to resolve.

Interrelationship Between Conflicts

Conflict in one country often has an impact on neighboring countries. For example, tensions in Syria trickle down to Lebanon and Türkiye, while the refugee crisis impacts Europe and the world. Foreign intervention in conflicts often deepens divisions, blurring the lines between internal conflict and spillover to the regional level.

A Complicated Solution

Finding a peaceful solution to the conflicts in the Middle East is a complex task. Peace agreements are often hampered by deep distrust between the parties. Diplomatic processes, such as the Oslo Accords and other initiatives, often lead to deadlock. Public dissatisfaction, coupled with corruption and injustice, continues to drive instability.

Future Challenges

With geopolitical conditions continuing to change, conflicts in the Middle East show no signs of abating. The involvement of non-state actors and the formation of new alliances, such as the rapprochement between Arab states and Israel, can offer hope while increasing existing tensions. The balance between regional interests and global powers will have a major influence on the future of stability in this region.

Unreal Conclusion

The reality of the Middle East is a complex web of interconnected conflicts, colored by history, culture, and modern political interests. The international community must work to understand these nuances to create effective and sustainable solutions to persistent challenges.