10.2 Regional conflicts and international interventions

The Middle East in the 21st century has been marked by intense regional conflicts and international interventions. From the Iraq War to the Syrian Civil War, these conflicts have reshaped the region's political landscape and sparked humanitarian crises.

Popular uprisings like the Arab Spring brought hope for change but had mixed outcomes. Meanwhile, the rise of ISIS and ongoing conflicts in Yemen and Israel-Palestine have further complicated regional dynamics and drawn in global powers.

Regional Conflicts

Iraq War and Syrian Civil War

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• Iraq War began in 2003 when US-led coalition invaded Iraq to overthrow Saddam Hussein
  • Justified by claims of weapons of mass destruction and links to terrorism
  • Led to prolonged conflict, sectarian violence, and political instability
• Coalition Provisional Authority dissolved Iraqi military and Ba'ath Party
  • Created power vacuum filled by various factions (Sunni, Shia, Kurdish)
• Syrian Civil War erupted in 2011 as part of broader Arab Spring protests
  • Escalated from peaceful demonstrations to armed conflict between government and opposition forces
  • Involvement of multiple external actors (Russia, Iran, US, Turkey) complicated the situation
• Both conflicts resulted in massive displacement, humanitarian crises, and regional instability

Yemen Civil War and Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

• Yemen Civil War began in 2014 when Houthi rebels seized control of the capital, Sana'a
  • Conflict intensified in 2015 with Saudi-led coalition intervention supporting government forces
  • Resulted in severe humanitarian crisis, famine, and infrastructure destruction
• Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains unresolved despite numerous peace initiatives
  • Key issues include borders, settlements, Jerusalem status, and Palestinian refugees
  • Periodic outbreaks of violence (Second Intifada, Gaza conflicts) have hindered peace efforts
• Both conflicts highlight complex regional dynamics and challenges of achieving lasting peace

Popular Uprisings and Terrorism

Arab Spring and Its Aftermath

• Arab Spring began in Tunisia in 2010, spreading across the Middle East and North Africa
  • Mass protests demanded political reform, economic opportunities, and social justice
  • Led to regime changes in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Yemen
• Outcomes varied significantly across countries
  • Tunisia achieved relative success in democratic transition
  • Egypt experienced brief democratic period before military coup
  • Libya and Yemen descended into prolonged civil conflicts
• Long-term impacts include increased political awareness, civil society activism, and ongoing calls for reform

Rise and Fall of ISIS/ISIL

• Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS/ISIL) emerged from power vacuum in Iraq and Syria
  • Gained prominence in 2014 by seizing large territories and declaring a caliphate
  • Attracted foreign fighters and sympathizers through sophisticated propaganda
• ISIS implemented brutal interpretation of Islamic law in controlled territories
  • Committed widespread human rights abuses, including genocide against Yazidis
  • Destroyed cultural heritage sites (Palmyra)
• International coalition formed to combat ISIS
  • Combination of airstrikes, local ground forces, and intelligence sharing
  • By 2019, ISIS lost majority of its territory but continues to pose threat through insurgency tactics

International Interventions

Proxy Wars and Humanitarian Interventions

• Proxy wars involve external powers supporting opposing sides in regional conflicts
  • Syrian Civil War saw Russia and Iran backing Assad regime, while US and Gulf states supported opposition groups
  • Yemen conflict involves Saudi Arabia and Iran supporting opposing factions
• Humanitarian interventions aim to protect civilians and alleviate suffering
  • NATO intervention in Libya (2011) to protect civilians from Gaddafi regime
  • Debates over effectiveness and unintended consequences of such interventions
• International community struggles to balance sovereignty concerns with responsibility to protect

UN Peacekeeping and Refugee Crisis Management

• UN peacekeeping missions deployed to maintain stability and protect civilians
  • UNIFIL in Lebanon monitors ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon
  • UNDOF in Golan Heights observes separation between Israeli and Syrian forces
• Refugee crisis stemming from regional conflicts overwhelmed neighboring countries and Europe
  • Syria produced over 6 million refugees, primarily hosted by Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan
  • European countries struggled to manage influx, leading to political tensions and policy debates
• International efforts to address refugee crisis include financial aid, resettlement programs, and attempts to resolve underlying conflicts