Political Crisis in the Middle East: What Happened?

The political crisis in the Middle East is a complex and layered topic, covering a variety of interrelated issues, from sectarian conflict to foreign power intervention. One of the main causes of instability is the conflict between Sunnis and Shiites, which has been going on for centuries. In countries such as Iraq, Syria and Yemen, these sectarian differences often lead to prolonged violence and armed conflict. In Iraq, the US invasion in 2003 created a power vacuum that allowed the rise of extremist groups such as ISIS. The group’s prolonged insurgency created a deep sense of insecurity, forcing the civilian population to fight in extremely difficult conditions. The districts of Mosul and Raqqa became battlefields of devastating war, destroying infrastructure and worsening humanitarian conditions. Furthermore, the conflict in Syria began in 2011 as a peaceful protest movement, but quickly turned into a brutal civil war. Bashar al-Assad’s government, backed by Russia and Iran, is fighting various rebel groups, many of which have support from Western countries. This situation created the largest refugee crisis since World War II, with millions of people forced to flee their countries, creating major challenges for neighboring countries and Europe. In Yemen, the war that began in 2015 reflects a power struggle between the Saudi-led coalition and the Iran-backed Houthi group. This conflict has created a humanitarian disaster, with millions of people at risk of starvation and disease. Foreign intervention further complicated the situation, making it one of the worst crises of our time. The influence of great powers cannot be ignored either. The United States, Russia, and China have strategic interests in the region, influencing the policies of Middle Eastern countries. Tensions between the US and Iran, for example, have an impact on regional stability, especially in the context of Iran’s nuclear program which has sparked concern in the international community. Another issue is economic problems. Many countries in the Middle East depend on oil as a main source of income, but oil price volatility and the global economic crisis have caused dissatisfaction among the people. Protests took place in Lebanon, Iraq, and Iran, where citizens demanded reforms and improved public services. The crisis is also exacerbated by human rights issues, with the government’s repressive policies often triggering protests. Arrests and persecution of political activists are frequent, making people increasingly skeptical of their government. In addition, the proliferation of weapons in the region has created an atmosphere of insecurity, where various armed groups, including militias and terrorist organizations, can easily gain access to weapons. This is seen in various conflicts that occur, where violence often targets civilians. Another challenge facing the Middle East is demographic shifts. With a growing young population, there is an urgent need to provide adequate employment and education. Failure to address these issues can lead to greater frustration and increase the potential for social instability. Given these dynamics, the future of the Middle East remains uncertain. The international community needs to find sustainable solutions to overcome the political and humanitarian crises in the region through diplomacy and multinational cooperation.