State Conflict in the Middle East: Causes and Impact

The conflict in the Middle East has become one of the most complex and protracted issues in modern history. The main causes of this conflict include political, economic, social and religious factors. First, political factors play an important role. Many countries in the Middle East consist of diverse ethnic and religious groups. However, the existence of authoritarian governments and a lack of democracy often creates dissatisfaction. For example, in Syria, the Arab Spring uprisings of 2011 demonstrated dissatisfaction with Bashar al-Assad’s regime, leading to a brutal civil war. Economic factors also contribute greatly to conflict. Oil-rich countries such as Saudi Arabia and Iraq often experience instability due to dependence on natural resources. The global economic crisis has left many countries struggling to maintain the living standards of their citizens. In many cases, this instability then leads to social tensions that can trigger violence. The importance of water resources in conflict contexts cannot be ignored. The Euphrates and Tigris rivers, which cross Türkiye, Syria and Iraq, have become a point of dispute due to unfair water management policies. This dispute often leads to armed conflict between countries in the region. Social factors related to identity also play a role in exacerbating conflict. A long history of rivalry between Islamic sects, such as Sunni vs. Shiites, have created deep divisions in society. For example, the conflict in Yemen is often seen as a struggle for influence between countries with different sects. The impact of this conflict is very broad. First, conflicts in the Middle East have caused a major refugee crisis. Thousands of people were forced to leave their homes in search of safety, often heading to other countries in Europe, resulting in social tensions in the receiving countries. Second, global stability is affected by this conflict. Crises in the Middle East could trigger a spike in world oil prices, which will have an impact on the global economy. Political instability also discourages foreign investment from entering the region, hampering economic growth. Third, these conflicts often involve outside powers, including the US and Russia, which complicates the situation. Foreign intervention often prolongs conflicts and makes peaceful resolution more difficult to achieve. Arms sales and military support to allies also allow conflicts to drag on. The sense of injustice felt by certain groups often gives rise to acts of terrorism and extremism. Groups such as ISIS and al-Qaeda exploit this discontent to recruit new members and launch attacks inside and outside the region. In a social context, this conflict causes a deep human tragedy. Human rights violations are rife, with reports of torture, executions without trial, and discrimination against minority groups. Besides that, national unity is a big challenge. Many countries are in disrepair, experiencing distrust between groups and weak government institutions. Reconciliation efforts often hit a dead end, hindering sustainable peace. Ultimately, education and community development in affected areas are also hampered, resulting in a cycle of violence that is difficult to break. Without adequate education, children in conflict areas grow up without hope, making a better future increasingly out of reach. Thus, the conflict in the Middle East is not just a regional problem, but also a global problem that requires immediate attention and action from all over the world.