Recent Developments in Conflict in the Middle East In the Middle East, conflict continues to occur and experiences complex dynamics. Currently, there are several hot spots that are in the world’s spotlight, including the war in Syria, tensions between Israel and Palestine, and the situation in Yemen and Iraq. Syria is still one of the main focuses. The civil war that began in 2011 has resulted in more than 500,000 lives lost and millions displaced. Although Bashar al-Assad’s government is starting to regain control over most of the region, opposition groups and terrorist organizations, such as ISIS, are still active in some areas. In addition, the involvement of foreign countries, such as Russia and the United States, adds to the complexity of this conflict. Russia claims to have succeeded in suppressing terrorist forces, but accusations of human rights violations continue to come. Tensions between Israel and Palestine also show no signs of easing. Recent events, including rocket attacks from Gaza and aerial retaliation by Israel, demonstrate an endless cycle of violence. Amid continued settlement expansion in the West Bank, peaceful dialogue looks increasingly difficult. A group of Palestinian youth recently launched an initiative to fight for their human rights through diplomatic channels, but the response from Israel has tended to be skeptical. In Yemen, the conflict that began in 2014 has brought the country to the brink of total collapse. The intervention of the Saudi Arabian-led coalition further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. With millions of people facing famine, international aid efforts are often hampered by unstable security. The ceasefire announced in the afternoon was often marked by continued attacks. Observers worry that the conflict will become like Syria, prolonged and without a clear solution. Iraq, despite having suffered from the United States invasion and the rise of ISIS, demonstrated strong adaptation to internal challenges. However, ethnic and sectarian tensions remain, with armed groups often engaging in violence. The Iraqi government is now trying to strengthen its networks with neighboring countries, strengthening its position within the country to prevent the resurgence of terrorist threats. Apart from armed conflict, economic and social issues also contribute to instability in the region. High unemployment and economic inequality increasingly trigger people to take action. Many young people feel marginalized and have no clear path forward. Meanwhile, the role of major countries in the world, such as the United States, Russia and Iran, is increasingly influencing the direction of these conflicts. Diplomatic strategies and political gains often result in trade-offs that worsen the situation on the ground. China’s penetration into the region through the Belt and Road initiative is also an important concern, implying that global competition in the Middle East is becoming more intense. With a complex and uncertain picture, readers are expected to continue to follow the latest developments in the conflict that has hit the Middle East for more than a decade. Global and regional engagement is likely to continue to shape the region’s future, with many questions still hanging in the air regarding the direction and resolution of the conflict.
