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Conflict Dynamics in the Middle East: A Recent Review

The dynamics of conflict in the Middle East have been going on for decades, involving various actors, both local and international. These conflicts are often rooted in a long history of political dissatisfaction, identity issues, and ideological differences. In recent years, recent developments have shown changes in strategies and alliances that affect regional stability. One of the most prominent conflicts is the war in Syria, which began in 2011. Until now, the situation in Syria is still complex. Several armed groups, including ISIS, as well as foreign powers such as Russia and the US, play an active role in the dynamics of the conflict. In 2023, peace agreements emerged between several groups, but sporadic violence continues to occur, indicating that a permanent resolution is still far away. In Yemen, civil war continues with severe humanitarian impacts. The Saudi Arabian-led coalition is fighting against the Iran-backed Houthis. UN resolutions are often hampered due to differences in interests between major countries. Despite diplomatic efforts, such as dialogue in Oman, the situation in Yemen remains critical. The urgent need for humanitarian assistance is increasingly felt amidst the ongoing blockade. Israel and Palestine are also still points of conflict that will never end. After global political shifts and normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab countries, the situation in the occupied territories has become increasingly complicated. Tensions increased after the incident at Al-Aqsa, creating a wave of protests in various regions. In addition, the Hamas group continues to confront Israel, maintaining its rhetoric of struggle for freedom and dignity. Lebanon faces serious internal challenges with the economic crisis and the rise of the Hezbollah group. This situation has attracted international attention because of the potential shift in the balance of power in the area. A deteriorating economy and public dissatisfaction could trigger broader social clashes. The Pentagon reports that tensions between Iran and its allies in the region are increasing, potentially triggering further conflict. Iran’s influence over armed groups in Iraq, Lebanon and Syria worries many countries, including Saudi Arabia and Israel. These tensions may result in conflict escalation through countermeasures and proxy wars involving various countries. The dynamics of conflict in the Middle East are not only a local problem, but also reflect global geopolitics. The involvement of major powers, including Russia and China, complicates the implementation of a peaceful resolution. Meanwhile, Western countries are trying to adapt to the rise of new regional powers, and renew their diplomatic strategies. Climate change and the economic crisis also contribute to instability. These three issues can become new triggers for social and economic conflict within already vulnerable countries, as seen in Sudan and Iraq. The rise of popuparism in several countries can give rise to nationalism which has the potential to create conflict within the country. Given all these factors, it is clear that conflict dynamics in the Middle East are complex and continually evolving. Observers and analysts should continue to monitor these developments to understand their direction and possible impact on global stability in the future.