Recent Conflicts in the Middle East: Causes and Impact

Recent conflicts in the Middle East have attracted global attention, with a variety of factors contributing to ever-increasing tensions. One of the main causes is the competition for power between countries in the region. Countries such as Iran, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye are engaged in a battle for greater influence in the region. This competition often involves complex alliances, in which states support particular groups to achieve their political goals. In addition, sectarian conflicts between Sunnis and Shiites further worsened the situation. This tension is clearly visible in the conflicts in Yemen and Syria, where different actors are involved with varying motivations. For example, Iran provides support to Shia militia groups, while Saudi Arabia supports Sunni groups. This adds to the complexity of the conflict, as well as resulting in a surge in the number of refugees and repression of the civilian population. Economic aspects also play an important role in conflicts in the Middle East. Oil producing countries, such as Saudi Arabia and Iraq, face economic challenges due to fluctuations in global oil prices. This economic instability often triggers protests and riots, which can then evolve into armed conflict. The economic downturn also increased social tensions, with rising levels of unemployment and poverty among the population. The impact of this conflict is very broad. First, the refugee crisis emerging from the conflicts in Syria and Yemen has overwhelmed neighboring countries such as Türkiye and Lebanon, as well as bringing challenges to Europe with increasing numbers of asylum seekers. Second, there is a direct impact on the global economy, particularly in the energy sector, where instability can affect oil supplies and prices. Additionally, these conflicts have created opportunities for extremist groups to grow. ISIS, which once controlled vast areas of Iraq and Syria, is exploiting this instability to attract new recruits. This urges countries around the world to collaborate in fighting terrorism. Finally, the domestic political impact of countries in the Middle East is also significant. Existing leaders often use conflict as a means to increase their control and suppress opposition, which in turn leads to human rights violations. Social dissatisfaction can further fuel tensions, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to break. The crisis that occurred in the Middle East not only affected the region, but also had an impact on global stability. A deep understanding of the causes and impacts of these conflicts is critical to finding long-term solutions and supporting peace and security in the world.