Major Middle East Conflicts Explained: History, Causes, and Current Impact

The Middle East has been a centre of civilisation, trade, and religion for thousands of years. However, it is also plagued by some of the world’s longest and most complex conflicts. Understanding their roots is essential for analysing current global politics, security, and humanitarian crises.

1. The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict began in the early 20th century under Ottoman and then British rule. The 1948 creation of Israel led to war, displacing over 700,000 Palestinians. Key issues include Jerusalem's status, refugee rights, Israeli settlements, security, and mutual recognition. Recent escalations in 2023-2024 have increased violence in Gaza and the West Bank, with renewed calls for a two-state solution.

2. Syrian Civil War

Starting in 2011 as protests against President Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian conflict escalated into a multi-sided war involving the Assad regime (backed by Russia and Iran), rebels, ISIS, Kurdish forces, and the US-led coalition. It has killed over 500,000 people and displaced millions.

3. Yemen Conflict

The Yemeni civil war began in 2014 when Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, took over Sanaa. A Saudi-led coalition intervened in 2015 to restore the government. The war has caused famine, cholera outbreaks, and over 377,000 deaths. Recent 2024 UN talks indicate fragile ceasefires.

4. Iraq War and Aftermath

The 2003 US-led invasion toppled Saddam Hussein but unleashed sectarian violence, giving rise to Al-Qaeda in Iraq and later ISIS. Although ISIS lost its territory by 2019, Iraq remains unstable with political crises, Iranian militia influence, and sporadic ISIS attacks.

5. Iran-Saudi Arabia Proxy Conflict

Iran and Saudi Arabia’s regional rivalry involves proxy wars in Yemen, Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon. The 2023 China-brokered diplomatic restoration marked potential thaw, but tensions persist over missile programs and regional dominance.

6. Afghanistan Conflict

Though geographically Central Asian, Afghanistan’s conflict is geopolitically tied to the Middle East. The 2001 US invasion removed the Taliban, but insurgency continued for 20 years. The Taliban returned to power in August 2021, leading to humanitarian crises and security threats from ISIS-K.

Conclusion

These Middle East conflicts arise from historical rivalries, colonial legacies, ethnic divides, religious sectarianism, and foreign interventions. Resolving them requires inclusive governance, regional cooperation, and long-term socio-economic reforms.

Read also: US-Iran Relations: From Allies to Adversaries (2025 Analysis)

Keywords: Middle East conflicts, Israeli-Palestinian war, Syrian civil war summary, Yemen crisis explained, Iran Saudi proxy war, Iraq war impact, Afghanistan Taliban return.