Middle East conflict

Definition

The Middle East conflict refers to the ongoing struggle for political power, territorial disputes, and religious tensions primarily between various nations and groups in the region, especially involving Israel and Palestine. This conflict is rooted in historical grievances, colonial legacies, and competing national identities, and it significantly impacts global politics, economics, and security. The conflict reflects broader issues of Islamic fundamentalism and the relationship between the Islamic world and the West.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The roots of the Middle East conflict can be traced back to the late 19th century with the rise of nationalism and competing claims to land between Jews and Arabs.
2. The establishment of Israel in 1948 led to a series of wars and ongoing violence, including significant events like the Six-Day War in 1967 and the Yom Kippur War in 1973.
3. The Oslo Accords in the 1990s marked the first major attempt at peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, aiming to establish a framework for a two-state solution.
4. Islamic fundamentalism has influenced some factions within the region, leading to increased militancy and resistance against perceived foreign intervention and occupation.
5. The U.S. plays a crucial role in Middle East politics, providing military support to Israel while also engaging with various Arab states, complicating its relationships in the region.

Review Questions

• How do historical grievances contribute to the ongoing Middle East conflict?
  • Historical grievances are central to understanding the Middle East conflict, as they stem from events such as colonialism, displacement, and national identity struggles. The Balfour Declaration in 1917 and subsequent support for Jewish immigration to Palestine angered Arab populations who felt their rights were overlooked. These unresolved issues have fueled animosities that persist today, making reconciliation challenging.
• Discuss the impact of Islamic fundamentalism on the Middle East conflict and its implications for regional stability.
  • Islamic fundamentalism has intensified aspects of the Middle East conflict by promoting militant resistance against Israel and perceived Western imperialism. Groups that embrace this ideology often view their struggle as not only a political battle but also a religious one. This dynamic complicates efforts for peace as radical factions can undermine moderate voices, contributing to ongoing violence and instability throughout the region.
• Evaluate how U.S. foreign policy has shaped the dynamics of the Middle East conflict over time.
  • U.S. foreign policy has significantly shaped the Middle East conflict through military support for Israel, engagement with Arab states, and attempts at brokering peace agreements like the Oslo Accords. This approach has often been viewed as biased by many Arab nations, fueling resentment against American influence. The U.S. stance on issues such as settlements in Palestinian territories has further complicated its role as a mediator, leading to a complex interplay of relationships that continues to evolve amid shifting geopolitical interests.

Related terms

Zionism: A nationalist movement for the re-establishment of a Jewish homeland in what is now Israel, which played a key role in the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948.

Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO): An organization founded in 1964 to create an independent State of Palestine and represent Palestinian interests in international forums.

Two-State Solution: A proposed framework for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by establishing two separate states for Israelis and Palestinians.