Political Crisis in the Middle East: What Happened?

The political crisis in the Middle East has been in the world spotlight for the last few decades. This region experiences various conflicts triggered by factors such as geopolitics, religion, and economics. Tensions between countries have sparked civil wars, terrorism, and widespread refugee crises, causing significant impacts not only for local populations but also for global stability. One of the main causes of the crisis in the Middle East is the existence of various ethnic and religious groups. The divide between Sunnis and Shiites, for example, has led to armed conflict in countries such as Iraq and Yemen. In Syria, tensions that began as a wave of peaceful protests in 2011 developed into a civil war involving many international actors with their own interests, such as the US, Russia and Iran. Furthermore, the Palestinian and Israeli issues also play a key role in the political crisis in the region. The conflict that began in 1948 has created continued instability. Peace efforts have often been hampered by violence, Israel’s aggressive settlement policy, and the near-constant conflict in Gaza. This situation worsens the humanitarian situation in the region. The economy also cannot be ignored as a triggering factor. Oil-producing countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Iran have abundant wealth, but the unfair distribution of this wealth often triggers protests and uprisings. The economic crisis caused by fluctuating oil prices also worsened the social and political situation. In an international context, great powers often intervene, increasing the complexity of the situation. Different foreign policies, for example, in the form of sanctions or military intervention, often create new tensions. This is clearly seen in the Russian and Turkish military interventions in Syria, as well as the US role in supporting its allies in the Persian Gulf. The refugee crisis is also a result of this instability. According to UN data, millions of people have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict. Neighboring countries such as Lebanon and Jordan have become major reservoirs, facing severe pressure on infrastructure and resources. Furthermore, the rise of extremist groups such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda is exacerbating the crisis. The group operates under a radical ideology and often uses local conflicts to attract new recruits. They show how social discontent can be exploited to form terror movements. Meanwhile, despite various initiatives to achieve peace, such as the Oslo agreement in Palestine or peace negotiations in Syria, the results are often unsatisfactory. The process towards stability requires inclusive dialogue between all parties involved as well as commitment from international actors. Ultimately, the political crisis in the Middle East creates complex challenges rooted in a long history of instability. Understanding the factors that play a key role in these dynamics is key to finding sustainable and effective solutions in the future. Constructive dialogue, fair law enforcement, and international cooperation are important steps towards lasting peace.