Dynamics of Geopolitical Confrontation in the Middle East

The dynamics of geopolitical confrontation in the Middle East is a complex theme and involves various international actors. Prolonged conflict, struggle for resources, and ideological fanaticism are often the main drivers of tension in this region. One of the main factors is sectarian differences between Sunnis and Shiites, which have given rise to various conflicts, including in Iraq, Syria and Yemen. Iran, as a major Shia power, plays an active role in supporting militias that are in line with its interests. For example, Iran’s involvement in Syria through support for the Bashar al-Assad regime and the Hezbollah group in Lebanon shows Tehran’s efforts to strengthen its lines of influence in the region. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and its allies, most of whom are Sunni, are trying to contain Iran’s ambitions through various means, including military intervention in Yemen. The presence of major powers such as the United States and Russia further complicates this dynamic. The US has historically supported its allies in the region, including Israel and Saudi Arabia. This aims to maintain a balance of power that is deemed to favor western interests. On the other hand, Russia has strengthened its influence by providing support to the Assad regime and participating in a different diplomatic process than the US, this shows the competition between the two big countries. Apart from that, economic factors also play a role in geopolitical confrontation. Abundant oil and gas reserves make the Middle East a strategic region for many countries. The struggle for control of these resources often leads to conflict. An obvious example is the conflict in Syria, where energy transport platforms are often a point of friction between actors. Terrorist groups such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda have also made matters worse. The emergence of ISIS as a territorial force in Iraq and Syria shows how existing gaps can be exploited by these groups to enrich their agenda. International responses to these threats have not always been consistent, making efforts for stability often ineffective. In this context, the role of social media cannot be ignored. Social media has become a channel for the spread of extremist ideology and mass mobilization. Propaganda through digital platforms has proven effective in attracting support for various armed groups and creating narratives that support acts of violence. Countries such as Türkiye, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates are also involved in this geopolitical dynamic, providing support to certain groups based on their own strategic interests. Türkiye, for example, has different interests in Syria that often conflict with US and Russian positions. Furthermore, the issue of refugees resulting from prolonged conflict also has significant social and political impacts. Millions of people were forced to leave their homes, creating a migration crisis that affected European countries and the region. This is often exploited by extremist groups to recruit new members by taking advantage of the uncertainty and instability experienced by refugees. Within this framework, efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East require a holistic approach. Dialogue between countries and stakeholders, as well as resolving the humanitarian issues underlying the conflict, is the key to reducing existing tensions. Continuous discussions and international cooperation will be very necessary to prevent and overcome the turmoil that occurs.