Political Crisis in the Middle East: What Happened?

The political crisis in the Middle East is a complex phenomenon involving multiple countries and issues, including armed conflict, popular protests, and challenges to authoritarian rule. In the last two decades, this region has experienced significant changes, especially after the Arab Spring which began in 2010. Countries such as Syria, Libya and Egypt are in the spotlight, where political changes often lead to chaos. One of the focal points of the crisis is the conflict in Syria, which began in 2011 when peaceful protests demanding political reform led to a crackdown by the government of Bashar al-Assad. The situation worsened when various groups, including ISIS, became involved, causing millions of refugees and causing widespread repercussions in Europe. International intervention, from both Russia and the United States, has also exacerbated this situation, adding complexity to the existing dynamics. In Libya, after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, the country was caught in civil war and rivalry between two rival governments. Various armed militias dominate the political landscape, and efforts to reconcile the two sides with international agreements have not succeeded in ending the conflict. Libya’s economy, which is heavily dependent on oil, is also reeling, causing hardship for civilians. Meanwhile, Egypt witnessed the overthrow of Mohamed Morsi, its first democratically elected president, by the military in 2013. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s regime took power with a crackdown on the opposition and human rights abuses. The renewed protests show dissatisfaction with the economic and political situation, although the government is trying to suppress all forms of dissent. Gulf states, such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, also contribute to regional tensions with sectarian and geopolitical rivalries. The confrontation between the two countries is often reflected in the conflicts in Yemen and Syria, where each supports opposing factions. Saudi Arabia’s military intervention in Yemen, which began in 2015, has led to the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with millions of people in need of aid. The expansion of Russian and Chinese influence in this conflict represents a shift in global power. With their close ties to authoritarian regimes, they offer an alternative to Western influence, which is often seen as interventionist. This is changing the political and economic map of the Middle East, forming new alliances that could prolong periods of instability. Finally, climate change and the economic crisis resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic are also contributing to social tensions. Already vulnerable countries face these challenges with limited resources and poor governance. Social demonstrations increased, and popular dissatisfaction was increasingly felt. The political crisis in the Middle East has created a widespread impact, not only for countries in the region, but also has a significant global impact.