Ongoing Conflict in the Middle East: What is the Cause?

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is a complex and widely discussed topic, involving various interacting factors. The main causes of this conflict can be grouped into several categories, including historical, political, economic, and social. First, historical factors play a big role in creating tensions in this region. Since the end of World War I and the division of territories by colonial powers, many countries in the Middle East were formed without considering the various ethnicities and sects that existed. The creation of states such as Iraq and Jordan, for example, ignored local identities and resulted in deep discontent. Additionally, events such as Arab-Israeli fighting, and the civil war in Lebanon worsened relations between the groups. Furthermore, political factors also have a significant influence. Political instability, authoritarian governments and rampant corruption make many countries in the region vulnerable to conflict. For example, Syria is experiencing a deep crisis due to the government’s repressive actions. Peaceful protests turned into civil war involving various international actors, creating a complicité scenario between various groups. Economics also plays a key role in conflicts in the Middle East. Countries with abundant natural resources, such as oil, often experience ongoing disputes. These resources, if not managed well, can lead to severe wealth imbalances and deepen gaps between societal groups. The impact of fluctuating global oil prices also leads to economic uncertainty, adding to the suffering of the population. Social and religious factors also strongly influence the dynamics of conflict in this region. The division between Sunnis and Shiites, for example, is often used as a political tool to mobilize support. Tensions between these groups can be seen in the conflicts in Iraq, Yemen and Syria. In addition, many armed groups utilize religious identity to recruit members and legitimize themselves in society. Global geopolitics cannot be ignored either. The intervention of big countries such as the United States, Russia and Iran adds to the complexity of the situation. Each country has different strategic interests, leading to support for certain groups, which prolongs and deepens conflicts. For example, US military support for the Saudis in the Yemen war, on the other hand, encouraged the Iranian regime to support the Houthis, creating a cycle of violence that is difficult to stop. Finally, social media and information technology contribute to fueling conflict. The rapid and sometimes biased dissemination of information has the potential to increase tensions, circulate provocative narratives and increase polarization in society. Therefore, these various factors are interrelated and create a complex web of conflict that seems difficult to untangle.