Conflict in the Middle East: What Happens Next?

Conflicts in the Middle East have been going on for decades, involving various countries and ethnic groups. This complex situation is fueled by political, religious and economic factors. In recent years, tensions have increased, especially in Syria, Yemen and Palestine. One of the main causes of conflict is power competition between various regional countries. Iran and Saudi Arabia often serve as lead actors, fighting for influence in the region. In this context, Syria becomes a proxy battleground where the two countries try to enforce their respective powers. The existence of groups such as Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, adds to tensions, while Saudi Arabia supports opposition groups. The conflict in Yemen, which began in 2014, also reflects these tensions. The Houthis, backed by Iran, are fighting a government backed by an Arab coalition led by Saudi Arabia. The resulting humanitarian crisis was severe, with millions of people losing access to food and health services. International organizations continue to urge both sides to step back from violent decisions and seek a diplomatic solution. On the other hand, the Palestinian-Israeli problem remains a central issue. The stalled peace process has made tensions in the region even higher. Unilateral steps, such as the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, often trigger protests and uprisings. As the two-state solution becomes increasingly marginalized, the situation could become more unstable, with the potential for further confrontation. International actions such as sanctions against countries inciting the conflict, including Iran and fellow actors, demonstrate efforts to suppress acts of violence. However, many analysts argue that a military approach will not solve fundamental problems related to identity and social justice in the Middle East. In a broader context, the impact of this war extends to Europe and North America, related to the issue of refugees and terrorism. High refugee numbers challenge the capacity of receiving countries, while terrorist groups such as ISIS seek to take advantage of instability to recruit new members. The international community, including the UN, is trying to find a peaceful solution, but success seems far away. Effective diplomacy is necessary to build trust between conflicting parties. Increasing dialogue between countries and creating peace forums could be crucial first steps. One step that could be considered is the establishment of internationally supervised safe zones in conflict areas, providing protection for civilians while creating space for negotiations. Building educational and economic infrastructure in the countries involved could also help improve long-term stability. Looking ahead, it is important for the global community to remain alert to developments in the Middle East. The economic, political, and cultural influence of this region cannot be ignored. Constructive involvement of all parties, not just for short-term interests, but to create sustainable peace will be very important.