Why is there War in the Middle East?
The Middle East has been a region of conflict for centuries, with various empires and nations vying for power and control. Today, the region is plagued by ongoing wars, political instability, and social unrest. So, what drives the seemingly endless cycle of violence and conflict in the Middle East?
Colonialism and Imperialism
One of the primary reasons for the war-torn state of the Middle East is the legacy of colonialism and imperialism. For centuries, European powers such as Britain, France, and Russia have sought to exert control over the region’s resources, territory, and people. The Ottoman Empire, which once spanned across much of the region, was dissolved after World War I, leading to the creation of new nation-states and the drawing of arbitrary borders.
The Sykes-Picot Agreement
The Sykes-Picot Agreement, signed in 1916 between Britain and France, is a prime example of how colonial powers carved up the Middle East without regard for the region’s diverse ethnic and religious groups. The agreement divided the region into spheres of influence, with Britain controlling present-day Iraq, Jordan, and parts of Saudi Arabia, and France controlling present-day Lebanon, Syria, and parts of Turkey.
Cold War Politics
The Cold War also played a significant role in shaping the Middle East’s trajectory. During this period, the United States and the Soviet Union vied for influence in the region, supporting various factions and governments. The 1953 Iranian coup, in which the CIA overthrew the democratically-elected government of Mohammad Mosaddegh, is a prime example of how the Cold War influenced regional politics.
Oil and Resources
The Middle East is home to some of the world’s largest oil reserves, making it a critical region for global energy security. The 1973 oil embargo, in which Arab countries imposed an oil embargo on Western countries in response to their support for Israel during the Yom Kippur War, highlighted the region’s economic importance.
Religious and Ideological Conflicts
Religious and ideological conflicts have also contributed to the region’s instability. The Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), for example, was fought between two countries with fundamentally different political systems: Iran’s Islamic Republic and Iraq’s secular Ba’athist regime.
The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which dates back to the early 20th century, is another significant factor driving conflict in the Middle East. The creation of Israel in 1948 led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, known as the Nakba or "catastrophe" in Arabic. Today, the conflict remains unresolved, with both sides refusing to compromise on key issues such as borders, settlements, and the status of Jerusalem.
Regional Powers and Proxy Wars
Regional powers such as Iran and Saudi Arabia have also played a significant role in shaping the region’s conflicts. Both countries have supported various factions and governments, often through proxy wars and covert operations.
Table: Regional Powers and Their Influence
| Country | Influence | Proxies |
|---|---|---|
| Iran | Shi’ite Islam, anti-Western | Hezbollah, Houthis, Iraqi Shia militias |
| Saudi Arabia | Wahhabism, anti-Iran | Salafist groups, Sunni militias |
Terrorism and Extremism
Terrorism and extremism have also become significant factors in the region’s conflicts. Groups such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS have exploited political instability and social unrest to spread their ideologies and carry out attacks.
Conclusion
The Middle East’s conflicts are complex and multifaceted, driven by a range of historical, political, economic, and ideological factors. From colonialism and imperialism to oil and resources, religious and ideological conflicts, and regional powers and proxy wars, there are many reasons why the region remains plagued by war and instability.
