Why is There So Much War in the Middle East?
The Middle East has been ravaged by conflict for centuries, with numerous wars erupting in the region from the Ottoman Empire to modern-day conflicts. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the most complex and enduring, with clashes between Israelis and Palestinians escalating into full-scale wars involving regional and international powers.
Historical Background: The Ottoman and British Divide
The Middle East was once a single entity under the Ottoman Empire, a vast and powerful empire that stretched from modern-day Tunisia to Turkey. However, with the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in the wake of World War I, the region was carved up into spheres of influence by Western powers, primarily Britain.
The British Mandate System
In 1915, Britain and France formed the Sykes-Picot Agreement, dividing the Ottoman Empire into spheres of influence. Britain was granted authority over present-day Iraq and Jordan, while France acquired control over present-day Lebanon and Syria.
Conflict Over Territory and Resources
The British Mandate created a power vacuum, fuelling competition between regional factions and foreign powers. Turkey, Iraq, and Egypt were all drawn into the Red Line Agreement, a massive oil concession agreement that restricted oil production to British-approved companies.
The Cradle of the Modern-Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
The 1917 Balfour Declaration stated that Britain would support a Jewish homeland in Palestine. This led to the increasing migration of Jewish settlers into the region, sparking Palestinian resistance and fuelling hostility between the two groups. The 1948 Palestinian exodus, also known as the Nakba (‘catastrophe’), saw hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced and forced from their homes.
Ethnic and Religious Tensions
The Middle East’s diverse population has contributed significantly to the region’s endemic conflict. Religious and ethnic tensions between Sunni and Shi’a Muslims, as well as between Arab and Jew, have long been flashpoints for violence.
• Sunni-Shia Divide: The 11th-century Shia-Sunni split led to power struggles and violent conflicts.
• Arab-Israeli Conflict: The state of Israel was established on land previously inhabited by Arab Palestinians, sparking ongoing protests and violence.
Geostrategic Importance
The Middle East’s strategic significance has made it a highly contested region. The Strait of Hormuz, situated between Iran and Oman, serves as a vital oil trading route, with over 20% of global petroleum exports passing through it. The region’s vast natural gas reserves, particularly those in Qatar, have heightened tensions between rival powers.
Regional Powers and Influence
The Middle East’s complex web of alliances has contributed to ongoing conflict.
• Saudi Arabia-UAE Alliance: The dominant Sunni powers in the Middle East, both countries align with the US and coordinate against Iran.
• Iranian Regional Influence: Iran’s Islamic Revolution, coupled with its significant reserves of oil and natural gas, has led to concerns about its expansionist ambitions across the region.
• Turkey’s Growing Influence: Turkey’s NATO membership has made it a key strategic partner for the US. However, its increasing ambitions in the region have contributed to tensions with other players.
Foreign Interference
External powers have long fueled the Middle East’s conflicts.
• United States-Backed Wars: In 2003, the US invaded Iraq, allegedly to disarm Saddam Hussein; however, this led to a power vacuum and escalated violence.
• Arms Sales and Military Presence: The US, the UK, and other western powers have provided military backing to regional factions, sustaining the conflict.
• Russian and Chinese Involvement: Both countries have increased their influence in the region, providing military backing to regional players and stirring tensions with rival powers.
Conclusion
The causes of war in the Middle East are complex and intertwined. Historical conflicts, economic interests, geostrategic importance, regional powers and influence, and foreign interference have all contributed to a region plagued by violence.
Table: Key Flashpoints in the Middle East
| Conflict/Event | Cause | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| WWI | British-French rivalry | 1914-1918 |
| Sykes-Picot Agreement | British-French dividing of Ottoman Empire | 1915 |
| Arab-Israeli Conflict | Migration of Jewish settlers, declaration of Israeli state | 1917-1948 |
| 1948 Palestinian Exodus | Establishment of Israel, displacement of Palestinian population | 1948 |
| Iranian Revolution | Domestic and international pressures | 1979 |
| War in Iraq | US-backed invasion, power vacuum and insurgency | 2003-2011 |
| Syrian Civil War | Authoritarian regime collapse, multiple factions and external interference | 2011-present |
| Yemen Conflict | Gulf Cooperation Council-backed intervention in Yemeni civil war | 2015-present |
| Turkish Military Operations in Syria | Turkey’s goals to secure its border, counter Kurdish expansion | 2016-present |
A comprehensive understanding of the reasons behind the perpetual conflict in the Middle East requires taking into account these historical factors, regional complexities, and external influences.
