State Conflict in the Middle East: A Historical Overview
Origins of Conflict
Conflicts in the Middle East are rooted in a long and complex history involving competition for power, religious position, and control of resources. From ancient times, this region has been a center of trade and civilization, but also a battleground for power. Tensions between Sunnis and Shiites, which began after the death of the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century, are one of the main factors driving religious and political conflict in the region.
Colonialism and Territorial Division
The 19th and 20th centuries saw the entry of European colonial powers, with the Sykes-Picot Agreement (1916) dividing the Ottoman territories into artificial states that did not necessarily reflect ethnic and religious dynamics. The creation of the state of Israel in 1948, and the expulsion of the Palestinian population, added a new layer to the already existing conflict. This sparked the first Arab-Israeli war and created tensions that continue to this day.
Arab-Israeli War
The Arab-Israeli war culminated in several waves, starting from 1948 through the Hawari conflict, the Intifada, and the Lebanon war. Each war not only creates new wounds, but also increases feelings of Arab nationalism and dissatisfaction with Western countries that are considered involved in continuing the conflict.
Revolution and Social Upheaval
The 21st century brought the Arab revolutions of 2011, in which the people of Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Yemen, and Syria rose up against their authoritarian regimes. This revolution gave hope for change but also sparked civil war and foreign interference. In Syria, the protracted conflict is creating an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.
Foreign Intervention and Ambassadorial War
Foreign intervention, whether carried out by Western countries or neighboring countries such as Iran and Saudi Arabia, complicates the situation. Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and Syria are becoming proxy warzones where regional and global powers are jockeying for influence. ISIS emerged as a new threat by declaring a caliphate in 2014, sparking an international coalition to fight it.
Conflict and Economic Impact
The impact of this conflict is very large on the economy. Abundant oil resources are often the main reason for intervention and disputes. Instability keeps countries like Iraq and Libya trapped in a cycle of poverty and corruption, hampering economic growth in an otherwise rich region.
Future Perspective
With global change and peace initiatives, such as the Abraham Accords, there is hope for conflict resolution. However, historical legacies, sectarian tensions, and foreign intervention will continue to pose significant challenges to achieving lasting stability. Delving into the root causes and strengthening dialogue between parties is an essential step to building a more peaceful future in the Middle East.