Who is Currently at War?
Despite the declining trend of armed conflicts in recent years, the world is still witnessing numerous wars and conflicts across the globe. In this article, we will provide an overview of the current wars and conflicts, highlighting the key players involved, the geographical locations, and the scope of the conflicts.
Conflicts in the Middle East
The Middle East remains one of the most conflict-prone regions in the world. Here are some of the current wars and conflicts in the region:
- Syria Conflict: The Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, has seen a significant escalation in recent years. The conflict pits the government of President Bashar al-Assad against a multitude of opposition groups, including extremist organizations like the Islamic State (ISIS). The conflict has resulted in over 500,000 deaths and millions of displaced people.
- Yemen Conflict: The Yemeni Civil War, which began in 2015, has been ongoing for over five years. The conflict involves a Saudi-led coalition of Arab states against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. The conflict has resulted in over 100,000 deaths and a massive humanitarian crisis, with millions of people in dire need of aid.
Contents
Regional Breakdown of Conflicts in the Middle East
Country | Conflict | Duration | Number of Deaths |
---|---|---|---|
Syria | Syrian Civil War | 2011-present | over 500,000 |
Yemen | Yemeni Civil War | 2015-present | over 100,000 |
Iraq | Conflict against ISIS | 2014-2017 | tens of thousands |
Gaza Strip | Israeli-Palestinian Conflict | 2000-present | thousands |
- Conflict against ISIS: Although ISIS has been defeated in Iraq and Syria, the organization still maintains a presence in the region, and the conflict against it is ongoing.
Conflicts in Africa
Africa is also home to numerous conflicts, many of which have been ongoing for years:
- Congo Conflict: The Democratic Republic of Congo has been plagued by conflict since the late 1990s, with various armed groups and government forces vying for control. The conflict has resulted in over 5 million deaths, making it the deadliest conflict in the world since World War II.
- Sudan Conflict: Sudan has been embroiled in conflict since 1983, with the government and various rebel groups engaged in a complex web of battles. The conflict has resulted in over 300,000 deaths and millions of displaced people.
- South Sudan Conflict: South Sudan gained independence in 2011, but has since been plagued by conflict between the government and rebel groups. The conflict has resulted in over 300,000 deaths and millions of displaced people.
Regional Breakdown of Conflicts in Africa
Country | Conflict | Duration | Number of Deaths |
---|---|---|---|
Democratic Republic of Congo | Congo Conflict | 1990s-present | over 5 million |
Sudan | Sudan Conflict | 1983-present | over 300,000 |
South Sudan | South Sudan Conflict | 2011-present | over 300,000 |
Somalia | Somali Civil War | 1988-present | tens of thousands |
Conflicts in Asia
Asia is home to several ongoing conflicts:
- Afghanistan Conflict: The conflict in Afghanistan began in 2001, when the US and its allies invaded the country in response to the 9/11 attacks. The conflict pits the government of Afghanistan against Taliban forces and other extremist groups. The conflict has resulted in over 30,000 deaths.
- Philippines Conflict: The conflict in the Philippines has been ongoing for decades, with various Marxist and Islamist groups fighting the government. The conflict has resulted in over 40,000 deaths.
Regional Breakdown of Conflicts in Asia
Country | Conflict | Duration | Number of Deaths |
---|---|---|---|
Afghanistan | Afghan War | 2001-present | over 30,000 |
Philippines | Philippine Conflict | 1980s-present | over 40,000 |
Conclusion
As the world grapples with the challenges of conflict resolution and peacekeeping, it is essential to acknowledge the complexity and scale of the wars and conflicts currently underway. The numbers are staggering, with millions of people affected, and the human cost is incalculable. It is crucial that policymakers, diplomats, and citizens around the world work together to address the root causes of conflict and to promote peaceful resolution of disputes.
References
- Amnesty International. (2020). Conflict and Displacement.
- Human Rights Watch. (2020). World Report 2020.
- International Crisis Group. (2020). Middle East and North Africa Crisis Brief.
Note: The numbers and durations of conflicts may vary depending on the source.