Conflict in the Middle East: What Drives Tensions?

The conflict in the Middle East is one of the most complex and prolonged issues in the world. A variety of historical, religious, and geopolitical factors contribute to ongoing tensions. One of the main factors is the historical legacy which, for a number of countries, carries the memory of colonialism and the enforcement of political boundaries that often do not reflect existing social realities. For example, the formation of modern states such as Iraq and Jordan in the early 20th century was the result of colonial agreements that ignored local tribal and ethnic identities. Religion also plays an important role in conflicts in the Middle East. The conflict between Sunnis and Shias, the two main branches of Islam, affects inter-island relations in the region. Rivalry between Iran (Shia) and Saudi Arabia (Sunni) has been a major driver of regional tensions. In this context, the conflict in Syria and Yemen takes on an additional dimension due to the role of these two countries as battlefields of influence between Sunnis and Shiites. Each party seeks to strengthen its support base to achieve dominance. Apart from religious and historical factors, natural resources, especially oil, add to the intensity of the conflict. Middle Eastern countries are rich in oil and gas reserves, which makes them targets of global interest. Control of these resources often triggers foreign intervention, either directly or indirectly. A clear example is the invasion of Iraq in 2003, which many saw as an attempt to secure access to oil resources. Tensions are also exacerbated by strong nationalism and identity-related issues. The rise of Arab nationalist movements in the mid-20th century brought hopes for unity and independence to many countries. However, friction among various ethnic groups and tribes, such as Kurds, Arabs, and Turks, creates serious challenges to stability. Kurdish aspirations to have an autonomous region often run head-to-head with the interests of the governments of Türkiye, Iraq and Iran. The role of international actors cannot be ignored either. The intervention of large countries such as the United States and Russia often magnifies existing tensions. In some cases, they support regimes deemed stable, although they often face popular backlash. This approach often ignores the aspirations of local people and creates more dissatisfaction. Over time, this conflict has become more complicated with the emergence of extremist groups such as ISIS, which exploit instability for ideological reasons. Their violent tactics and effective propaganda attracted many recruits, both from home and abroad, adding another layer of complexity to an already difficult situation. Finally, the issue of refugees resulting from conflicts in the Middle East is a significant impact that affects global stability. The overwhelming wave of refugees heading to Europe and neighboring countries is fueling social tensions, economic pressures and political debates in many countries. With all these interrelated factors, it is clear that the conflict in the Middle East is not a problem that can be resolved quickly; rather, it is a long-term challenge that requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach to achieve sustainable peace.