Middle East Conflicts: Saudi Arabia, Iran, Israel, Syria
Middle East Conflicts: Key Issues and Regions
Saudi Arabia vs. Iran
The historical roots of the conflict can be traced back to the death of Muhammad in 632 AD.
Saudi Arabia and Iran are the two most powerful countries in the Middle East. They are currently engaged in a struggle for regional dominance.
This conflict is fueled by religious differences. Iran is predominantly Shia Muslim, while Saudi Arabia identifies as the leading Sunni Muslim power.
Yemen War (2014 – Present)
The conflict in Yemen is centered around the capital, Sana’a.
Problem: Approximately 70% of the population is Sunni (supported by Saudi Arabia), while 30% is Shia (supported by Iran, primarily located in southern Yemen).
Key Factors:
- Political: The struggle for the presidency of the country.
- Economical: Yemen is one of the poorest countries in the Arab Gulf region.
- Social: The internal conflict in Yemen and the broader Middle East stems from religious and ethnic differences, with each group defending its political or economic interests.
The Houthis (Shia group) seek fundamental change.
The Kurds
The Kurdish community is present in several countries, including Syria, Iraq, Turkey, and Iran.
The Kurds are fighting for the autonomy they have long desired since the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire. They were promised liberties through the Treaty of Sèvres in August 1920, but the agreement was never implemented.
Key Aspects:
- Religion: The majority of Kurds are Sunni Muslims with shared cultural values and aspirations.
- Language: Kurds speak a West Iranian language, part of the Indo-Iranian language family, spoken in Kurdistan.
Israel vs. Palestine
The conflict between Israel (Judaism, established in 1948 with support from the USA) and Palestine (Sunni) has evolved over decades, driven by historical, political, religious, and cultural factors.
The region is marked by ongoing tensions and confrontations, with recent incidents escalating violence.
Arab Spring (2010-2011)
The Arab Spring uprisings occurred in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Syria, and other countries in the region.
Causes:
The Arab Spring was triggered by a combination of political, economic, and social factors, including:
- Authoritarianism and corruption
- Economic inequality and unemployment
- Social media
- Political changes
- Civil wars and conflicts
- Regional instability
- Impact on global politics
Syrian War
Causes:
The war began with increased protests against the government, which were violently suppressed by Bashar Al-Assad’s regime.
Opposition sympathizers began to arm themselves, initially for self-defense and later to fight against security forces in their regions.
The war officially began on February 4th in the city of Homs.
Exam Questions
- What is the difference between Arab and Muslim? (Arabs can practice any religion, including Islam, Judaism, or Christianity. A Muslim is a follower of Islam.)
- Relate:
- Hezbollah = Shia
- Ayatollah = Supreme leader
- Al-Assad = Syrian leader
- ISIS = Jihadist group
- Kurdistan = Cultural region
- Ba’ath = Political party
- Similarities between the wars in Syria and Yemen: Conflict between Sunnis and Shias; ISIS exploitation of the chaos.
- Political and geographical importance: Suez Canal (Egypt), Mediterranean Sea, Caspian Sea, Persian Gulf.
- Which are the two main sects of Islam? Sunni and Shia.
- Which two countries are their main representatives in the Middle East? Saudi Arabia and Iran.
- Main Palestinian settlements: Gaza and the West Bank.
- Palestinian demands: Recognition of their status according to agreed borders and an end to Israeli settlements on their land.