A YEAR OF WAR IN WEST ASIA

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Context:

The West Asia crisis that was started with the terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023, has escalated over the past year.  

Details

1. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted extensive ground operations and aerial bombardments in Gaza and Lebanon, resulting in over 41,000 deaths. Despite the heavy toll, Hamas is still believed to be holding 97 of the original 251 hostages.
2. Israel has also targeted other Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen. The Houthis have disrupted international shipping in the Red Sea, causing economic impacts beyond the immediate conflict zone.
3. Israel has ignored calls for a ceasefire from the UN Security Council and advice of restraint from the US, continuing its operations even as Hamas has been significantly weakened.

About West Asia Conflict 

The roots of the conflict in West Asia can be traced back to the early 20th century, with the decline of the Ottoman Empire and the subsequent division of its territories by European powers. The creation of Israel in 1948 and the displacement of Palestinian Arabs led to a series of Arab-Israeli wars and ongoing tensions.

Key Players and Conflicts

1. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is central to the region’s instability. The recent escalation began with Hamas’s attack on Israel, leading to a severe military response from Israel in Gaza1. This conflict has drawn in other regional actors, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and various Iranian-backed militias.
2. Iran and Saudi Arabia, the two regional powers, are engaged in a proxy war, supporting opposing sides in conflicts across the region, such as in Yemen and Syria. Iran backs the Houthi rebels in Yemen, while Saudi Arabia leads a coalition supporting the Yemeni government.
3. The Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, has involved multiple factions, including the Syrian government, opposition groups, ISIS, and Kurdish forces. External powers like Russia, the United States, Turkey, and Iran have also played significant roles.
4. The conflict in Yemen is another major humanitarian crisis, with the Houthi rebels fighting against the Saudi-led coalition. The war has caused widespread famine and disease.

Recent Developments

1. The recent conflict has seen significant casualties and destruction in Gaza. The situation remains volatile, with fears of further escalation involving Hezbollah and other groups.
2. Iran continues to exert influence through its support of militias in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen. This has led to tensions with the United States and its allies.
3. Saudi Arabia is actively involved in Yemen and has been working to counter Iranian influence in the region.

International Involvement

1. The U.S. has historically supported Israel and Saudi Arabia while opposing Iran. It has conducted airstrikes against Iranian-backed militias and provided military support to its allies.
2. Russia supports the Syrian government and has a military presence in Syria. It seeks to expand its influence in the region.
3. The European Union has focused on diplomatic efforts and humanitarian aid, aiming to stabilize the region and address the refugee crisis.

Impact  

Humanitarian Crisis

1. Millions of people have been displaced due to conflicts in Syria, Yemen, Iraq, and other areas. Refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) face dire living conditions, with limited access to basic necessities.
2. Thousands of civilians have been killed or injured. The use of heavy weapons in populated areas has led to significant loss of life and property.
3. The destruction of healthcare infrastructure and the blockade of medical supplies have exacerbated health crises. Outbreaks of diseases like cholera in Yemen are rampant.

Economic Impact

1. Wars have devastated infrastructure, including roads, schools, hospitals, and utilities. Rebuilding these will take years and substantial financial resources.
2. Conflict zones experience severe economic downturns. Businesses close, unemployment rises, and poverty rates soar.
3. West Asia is a major oil-producing region. Conflicts can disrupt oil supplies, leading to fluctuations in global oil prices.

Social and Cultural Impact

1. Prolonged conflicts disrupt education systems, leaving a generation of children without schooling. This has long-term implications for the region’s development.
2. Many historical and cultural sites have been damaged or destroyed. This loss of heritage affects national identity and tourism potential.

Political and Geopolitical Impact

1. The conflicts contribute to regional instability, affecting neighbouring countries and creating a volatile security environment.
2. Major powers like Iran and Saudi Arabia engage in proxy wars, further complicating the situation and prolonging conflicts.
3. The involvement of global powers like the U.S. and Russia influences international relations and can lead to broader geopolitical tensions.

Way Forward

Addressing the conflicts in West Asia requires a multifaceted approach involving local, regional, and international efforts.

Diplomatic Efforts

Encouraging dialogue between conflicting parties is crucial. International mediators can facilitate negotiations to reach ceasefires and peace agreements. Promoting cooperation among West Asian countries can help address common challenges and reduce tensions.

Humanitarian Aid

Providing food, water, medical supplies, and shelter to affected populations is essential. International organizations and NGOs play a key role in delivering aid. Long-term aid should focus on rebuilding infrastructure, schools, and hospitals to restore normalcy.

Economic Support

International financial institutions and donor countries can invest in rebuilding economies, creating jobs, and supporting small businesses. Facilitating trade within the region and with the global market can help revive economies.

Security Measures

Coordinated efforts to combat terrorist groups are necessary to ensure regional security. Initiatives to disarm militias and integrate them into national armies can reduce violence. 

International Involvement

The UN can play a central role in peacekeeping, monitoring ceasefires, and coordinating humanitarian efforts. Major powers need to work together to support peace initiatives and avoid actions that exacerbate conflicts. Deploying UN peacekeeping missions can protect civilians and maintain ceasefires.

Conclusion

The path to peace and stability in West Asia is challenging but not impossible. It requires sustained efforts from local leaders, regional actors, and the international community. By addressing the root causes of conflict and focusing on humanitarian, economic, and social development, there is hope for a more stable and prosperous future for the region.

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Source: 

Indian Express

Indian Express

India Today

BBC

Wikipedia