Development of the Middle East Conflict: What Happened?
The Middle East conflict is a protracted and multidimensional issue, involving political, religious and ethnic aspects. One of the main factors is competition between countries and armed groups in the region. In the last two decades, this conflict has experienced various significant phases.
One of the crucial moments in the history of this conflict was the Arab Spring in 2011. Uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Syria demonstrated the people’s desire for democracy. Unfortunately, several countries witnessed a bloody transformation. In Syria, peaceful protests turned into a brutal civil war, involving various international and regional stakeholders, such as Russia, the United States, and Iran.
ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) emerged amidst this chaos, taking advantage of the power vacuum and carrying out rapid territorial expansion. The existence of this group sparked an international coalition working together to fight terrorism. However, even though ISIS lost much territory, its ideology persisted and continues to influence extremism around the world.
Meanwhile, in Yemen, the long-running conflict between the internationally recognized government and Houthi rebels continues, causing a severe humanitarian crisis. The Saudi Arabian-led military invasion project has failed to end the conflict, and civilians are the most visible victims of the violence.
On the other hand, Palestinian-Israeli relations remain a source of unremitting tension. The stalled peace process and the resurgence of violence in Gaza and the West Bank create an atmosphere of uncertainty. The Israeli government continues to build settlements in the occupied territories, which is seen as a violation of international law.
Diplomatic meetings, such as the Peace Conference in Paris and the meeting in Jakarta, attempted to find a way out, but were often hampered by distrust and divergent political interests. The role of influential Muslim countries such as Saudi Arabia and Türkiye is also an important factor in the dynamics of this conflict.
Apart from that, economic factors also worsen the situation. The economic crisis that hit migrants’ countries of origin created a wave of refugees, increasing the burden on receiving countries, especially in Europe. Climate change is also a new threat, with drought and food instability exacerbating tensions.
In this context, social media plays an important role in disseminating information and mass mobilization. Digital activism has raised global awareness of Middle East issues, encouraging international solidarity and support for various movements. This has become an effective tool in mobilizing the masses and drawing the attention of the world community to the humanitarian crisis.
In the face of all these challenges, the future of the Middle East appears uncertain. The Solomonic conflict, political transformation, and social dynamics of society paint a complex picture of the region. Through diplomacy, international cooperation, and collective efforts to achieve peace, there is still hope for ending the protracted conflict. The ongoing transformation must be met with an inclusive global strategy, taking into account all voices and interests in the region.
Developments in the Middle East conflict will continue to influence the world’s geopolitical landscape, making it an increasingly relevant topic to discuss.