Recent developments in the conflict in the Middle East show complex and layered dynamics. Several key factors are the main causes of ongoing disputes in the region, including political, religious and natural resource issues. One of the areas particularly affected is Syria. The civil war that began in 2011 is still ongoing, despite several diplomatic efforts to achieve peace. Groups like ISIS remain a threat, even though their military power has been reduced. Finally, the alleged use of chemical weapons by the Bashar al-Assad regime is in the spotlight. Many countries, including the US and its allies, condemned these actions and are considering additional sanctions. In Iraq, the situation is no less complicated. The resurgence of ISIS, despite having lost much territory, is still felt in several provinces. The Iraqi government seeks to strengthen its armed forces through international cooperation. However, tensions between Kurdish and Arab ethnic groups often hinder national stability. In recent months, there have been efforts to select Kurdish leaders to defuse rising tensions. Yemen is also facing a severe humanitarian crisis due to the conflict between the government and the Houthis, who are backed by Iran. Military intervention by an Arab coalition led by Saudi Arabia worsened the situation. Apart from that, the ongoing blockade has left millions of people without food and medical supplies. Efforts to reach a ceasefire often fail. Meanwhile, tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia continue to rise. The ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 project aims to shift the economy’s dependence on oil. However, Iran’s intervention in various regional conflicts has raised Riyadh’s concerns. Diplomatic meetings between the two countries often do not produce concrete results. The Palestinian-Israeli conflict remains a central issue in the Middle East. The rise of groups such as Hamas and Israel’s increasingly aggressive actions in building new settlements in the Occupied Territories worsen the situation. Fragile ceasefires are frequently violated, leading to chaos and an increasing death toll. International support for both sides continues, but concrete steps towards peace remain minimal. In Lebanon, political divisions and the economic crisis are worsening. The Hezbollah Party plays an important role in political stagnation and conflict with Israel on the border. Internal disputes between various political factions often make Lebanon a “testing field” for external powers, making a resolution to the conflict increasingly out of reach. The presence of various foreign agents in the Middle East adds complexity. Russia, the US and European countries became directly involved in the conflict, changing its course. Each has different interests, making it difficult to reach consensus. All of these dynamics have long-term consequences for stability in the Middle East. Civil society is often the victim, facing widespread human rights violations. Efforts to create constructive lines of dialogue should be the focus, while military solutions have proven ineffective. Building trust among relevant parties is critical in achieving sustainable peace in this conflict-torn region.
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