War in the Middle East: What’s Happening Now?

War in the Middle East has been a complex and controversial topic for decades. Currently, a number of new and old conflicts continue in various countries such as Syria, Yemen and Iraq, even affecting the stability of neighboring countries. Syria remains a major focus due to the civil war that began in 2011. Bashar al-Assad’s government, backed by Russia and Iran, is seeking to control territory controlled by rebel groups and ISIS. Over the past few years, fighting has subsided, but attacks are sporadic and tensions between ethnic and sectarian groups remain high. There have also been reports of the use of chemical weapons and serious human rights violations, adding to the complexity of the situation. In Yemen, the conflict began in 2015 when the Houthi group took control of the capital Sana’a. The Saudi Arabian-led coalition’s intervention has worsened the humanitarian situation with blockades hampering aid access. During this time, Yemen experienced the most severe food crisis in the world, with millions of people facing hunger and disease. Peace appears far from reach, despite UN mediation efforts. Iraq is also experiencing challenges with the resurgence of extremist groups following the defeat of ISIS. Tensions between Sunni and Shia communities often trigger terrorist attacks and sectarian violence. Additionally, the presence of Iranian-backed militias complicates the situation, increasing discontent among groups seeking national sovereignty. Anti-government protests that erupted in 2019 highlighted popular demands for political and economic reform. Outside of fighting, geopolitics in the Middle East no less influences the current situation. Relations between major countries such as the United States, Russia and China add a new dimension. The US has strong support for Israel and its allies in the region, while Russia is trying to expand its influence through support for the Syrian regime. Meanwhile, China is investing in infrastructure initiatives that could influence economic dynamics in the area. Meanwhile, the normalization of relations between Israel and several Arab countries, such as the UAE and Bahrain, shows a paradigm shift. However, tensions with Palestine remain a major cause of instability. Attacks and reprisals between armed groups in Gaza and Israel show that a peaceful solution is far from reach. The environmental and economic crises have also worsened the situation. Climate change is causing extreme drought, threatening food security. Many countries in the region, especially those dependent on agriculture, are suffering from the impact, which could trigger new conflicts. The participation of civil society and non-governmental organizations is increasingly important in efforts to achieve peace. Local communities are often the victims, and their voices must be heard in the negotiation process. Education and empowerment of young people is needed to create a better future. Against this very complicated background, conflicts in the Middle East are not only shaped by political and military forces, but also by the aspirations of people who want peace and stability. We still need to be aware of the latest developments, because any changes could have major implications for the entire region and the world.