Causes of Conflict in the Middle East
Conflicts in the Middle East have deep historical roots, involving various factors such as ethnicity, religion, politics and economics. One of the main causes is ideological rivalry between Sunnis and Shiites, which is creating tensions in countries such as Iraq and Bahrain. Apart from that, there is a territorial conflict related to the formation of a Palestinian state, which is recognized internationally, but always faces resistance from Israel.
Economics also plays an important role in creating conflict. Control of natural resources, especially oil, has created tensions between oil-producing countries such as Saudi Arabia and Iran. This economic instability is often exacerbated by foreign intervention that favors one side of the conflict, such as the United States’ support for Israel.
The Impact of State Conflict in the Middle East
The impact of conflict in the Middle East is very broad and long-term. First, this conflict caused a significant humanitarian crisis. Hundreds of thousands of lives were lost, millions of people lost their homes, and many were forced to become refugees. For example, the war in Syria has resulted in millions of refugees being dispersed to various countries, offsetting the welfare of the host countries.
Second, this conflict also creates political instability in the region. Countries such as Libya and Yemen are facing government collapse that has led to chaos. This fueled extremist groups, such as ISIS, which took advantage of the situation to recruit new members and expand their influence.
Third, the regional economic impact is also significant. Losses resulting from conflict affect economic growth, foreign investment, and trade. Destroyed infrastructure, such as roads and health facilities, costs a huge amount to repair. On the other hand, international sanctions imposed on countries involved in the conflict have further worsened the economic situation.
International Role
The role of major powers in conflicts in the Middle East is also worth noting. Military interventions, financial support, and political alliances often increase tensions. For example, the involvement of the US and Russia in supporting the conflicting parties in Syria shows how this conflict has become an arena for global power struggles.
The United Nations (UN) also attempted mediation, but often reached a dead end due to diverse political interests. Proposed peaceful resolutions are often not accepted by all parties, so long-term solutions remain difficult to achieve.
Global Implications
Instability in the Middle East has much broader global implications. The refugee crisis is affecting European countries, creating new social and political challenges. On the other hand, global oil prices are influenced by fluctuations in conflicts in the region, which could have an impact on the world economy.
Additionally, the radicalization occurring in the Middle East, thanks to socio-political chaos, often serves as an inspiration for international terrorism. The most recent example is the terrorist attack in the name of extremist ideology that emerged from the long-standing conflict in the region.
Assessing all these dimensions, it is clear that the conflict in the Middle East is not just a local problem, but a global issue that requires attention and collaborative solutions from the international community.