Conflict in the Middle East: A Recent Review

The conflict in the Middle East has become a complex and protracted global issue. Various factors contribute to existing tensions, including regional politics, sectarian rivalries, and the influence of outside powers. In recent years, the situation in the region has evolved, changing the existing dynamics. One of the main factors of the conflict is the dispute between Israel and Palestine. Tensions increased following the announcement of a peace plan by the United States that, according to many observers, ignored Palestinian rights. Israel’s military incursion into the Gaza region in 2021 increased the suffering of the civilian population and prompted international protests. Meanwhile, armed groups in Gaza are intensifying rocket attacks on Israeli territory, creating a cycle of violence that is difficult to stop. On the other hand, the conflict in Syria continues with various forces involved. Syrian government forces, backed by Russia and Iran, are fighting against rebel groups and Kurdish forces. This conflict not only threatens Syria’s stability, but also has an impact on neighboring countries such as Lebanon and Türkiye. Syrian refugees fleeing to European countries are creating a significant humanitarian crisis. Yemen has also been in the world spotlight with a civil war that has been going on since 2015. The Saudi Arabian-led coalition is trying to reclaim power from the Houthi group which is supported by Iran. This conflict has caused a humanitarian disaster, with millions of people facing hunger and disease. Efforts to end this war continue, but the outcome remains uncertain. Sectarian conflicts between Sunnis and Shiites also worsened the situation in the Middle East. Iran as a Shiite leader often competes directly with Saudi Arabia which is a Sunni leader. These tensions are evident in the conflicts in Iraq, Lebanon, and Bahrain. This dispute is not only political, but also touches on deep social and cultural aspects. Vaccination and handling of the COVID-19 pandemic show the impact of conflict. Countries involved in war often have difficulty gaining access to vaccines and medicines, resulting in deeper health crises. The threat of terrorism, such as that carried out by ISIS, remains a major global concern, with the group seeking to recruit supporters amid instability. Peace negotiations often stall due to distrust between the parties involved. The involvement of major powers, such as the US, Russia, and China, adds a layer of complexity to an already complicated conflict. Political uncertainty in countries such as Libya and Sudan shows that the road to peace remains long and winding. The international community continues to seek solutions to this problem. Economic sanctions have been imposed on countries deemed to be contributing to tensions, but the positive impact of these measures remains in doubt. UN resolutions are often hampered by vetoes from its permanent members, limiting the effectiveness of global action. Meanwhile, regional initiatives such as the normalization of relations between Israel and several Arab countries, including the UAE and Bahrain, represent significant changes. However, the sustainability of this change is still questionable, especially in relation to attention to the Palestinian issue. Awareness of the importance of resolving conflicts in the Middle East is increasing among civil society. Many non-governmental organizations and activists seek to build bridges between different communities, contributing to sustainable peace.