Global Conflict: The Impact of War in the Middle East
War in the Middle East has been a disturbing issue for decades, affecting regional and global stability. Various conflicts, such as the Iraq War and the Shia-Sunni War in Syria, have had serious impacts, not only for countries in the region, but also for the whole world.
States at War and their Consequences
Every conflict in the Middle East has profound consequences for the countries involved. Countries such as Iraq and Syria are experiencing severe infrastructure damage, mass evictions, and surging death rates. These tensions also create a difficult refugee situation. According to UNHCR, as of 2021, there are more than 6 million Syrian refugees spread across the world, adding to the social and economic burden on receiving countries, such as Türkiye and Lebanon.
Impacted Global Economy
Conflicts in the Middle East also have an impact on the global economy. The region is the largest oil producer, and tensions often lead to spikes in oil prices on international markets. Uncertainty in energy supply can result in inflation in countries that depend on energy imports, disrupting the global economy. For example, in 2021, tensions between Iran and the US caused a spike in crude oil prices to 85 USD per barrel.
International Security
Apart from the economic impact, this conflict affects global security issues. Terrorism is one of the significant impacts of the war in the Middle East. Extremist groups such as ISIS and al-Qaeda emerged from the chaos wrought by war. The decline in stability causes countries outside the region, including Europe and the US, to face increased threats of terrorism.
Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution
Various diplomacy and mediation efforts have been made to resolve conflicts in the Middle East. International organizations, such as the UN, try to find a way of peace amidst tensions. However, foreign intervention and political instability often hinder effective peace processes. The alignment of large countries, such as the US and Russia, adds complexity to conflict resolution.
Humanitarian Challenges
The war in the Middle East is giving rise to a wider humanitarian crisis. Many civilians have become victims, with limited access to food, clean water and health services. Reports from humanitarian organizations show that millions of people are forced to live in inhumane conditions, requiring greater global attention.
Facing the Future
The impact of the conflict in the Middle East will continue to be felt in many aspects of life – from economics, security, to humanity. Without effective and comprehensive solutions, the cycle of violence and instability will continue. The role of other countries in supporting the peace process is very important so that stability can be achieved in the future.
The internal structure and geopolitics of the Middle East are very complex. For this reason, collaborative efforts from all parties are needed so that this area can return to the path of peace. Addressing the structural issues underlying the conflict must be the focus so that its impact is controlled and rebuilding can begin.