Recent Global Conflicts: New Dynamics in the Middle East The Middle East continues to be the center of world attention with its ever-changing conflict dynamics. In recent years, a number of factors have contributed to instability in the region, including geopolitical rivalries, sectarian conflicts, and foreign intervention. One of the most prominent conflicts is the war in Syria, which has been ongoing since 2011. The involvement of various actors, such as Russia, the US and Iran, has made Syria an arena for complex proxy wars. In parallel, relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia continue to deteriorate, driving tensions in the region. The two countries compete for influence in the region, with conflicts such as those in Yemen and Iraq reflecting this power struggle. Instead of achieving stability, this conflict has actually worsened the humanitarian crisis and added to the growing list of refugees. On the other hand, new dynamics emerged with the normalization of relations between Israel and several Arab countries through the Abraham Accords. This not only changed the political landscape in the Middle East, but also generated mixed reactions from various groups. Many see this normalization as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause. The Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad movements have increasingly strengthened their position against Israel. In addition, energy issues remain a major driver in Middle Eastern geopolitics. Tensions over control of oil and gas resources have also exacerbated the conflict. Infrastructure projects and pipelines have become political tools, with countries such as Türkiye and Qatar seeking to strengthen their position in global energy markets. This sparked new tensions, especially between Türkiye and countries around the Mediterranean. Climate change is also starting to influence the situation in the Middle East. Drought and water scarcity are forcing countries in the region to adapt, often in ways that exacerbate existing conflicts. Regions experiencing conflict often also experience natural disasters, which can make matters worse. While the US and its allies still maintain a military presence in the region, the desire to withdraw is growing stronger. This raises concerns about a power vacuum that could be exploited by extremist actors. This uncertainty adds a layer of complexity to the existing conflict dynamics. Apart from mainstream thinking at the local level, global influences also add spice to the heat in the Middle East. China, with its Belt and Road initiative, is seeking to gain a stronger foothold in the region, competing with traditional US influence. This changes the configuration of existing alliances and creates new relationships that require adjustments from incumbent players. Overall, the Middle East is at a crucial crossroads. All of these factors create complexity in resolving existing conflicts, with the influence of many interacting actors. The international community is required to understand these dynamics so that various solutions can be sought to create sustainable peace in this challenging region.
