Continuing Conflicts in the Middle East

Introduction:

The Middle East is a region known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse ethnicities, and complex political issues. Despite being home to various religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, conflicts over land and religious differences continue to persist. In this article, we will examine how land and religion play a role in continuing conflicts in the Middle East, focusing on three specific examples: the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the division between Sunni and Shia Muslims, and Kurdish nationalism.

The Palestinian-Israeli Conflict

The Palestinian-Israeli conflict is one of the most well-known examples of how land and religion contribute to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. This conflict dates back to the early 20th century, with the Zionist movement's goal to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine. This led to the displacement of many Palestinians from their land, leading to ongoing tensions between Israelis and Palestinians.

At the core of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is the issue of land ownership. Both Israelis and Palestinians claim historical and religious ties to the land, leading to competing claims and a reluctance to compromise. Religious beliefs also play a role, with Jews and Muslims both considering Jerusalem a holy city.

Attempts at resolving the conflict have included numerous peace negotiations, but the issue remains unresolved. The lack of resolution continues to fuel violence, including bombings, shootings, and rocket attacks.

Examples of the Conflict:

• In 1948, Israel was established as a state, leading to the displacement of over 700,000 Palestinians. Palestinians refer to this event as the "Nakba," meaning "catastrophe," while Israelis celebrate it as their independence day. Both sides claim historical and religious ties to the land, with Jerusalem being a particularly contentious issue. The Old City of Jerusalem, for instance, contains holy sites for both Jews and Muslims, such as the Western Wall and the Dome of the Rock, respectively.

• In recent years, there have been protests and violence in the West Bank and Gaza over Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory. The Israeli government has authorized the construction of settlements, which are viewed as illegal by the international community. Palestinians see these settlements as an obstacle to peace and the establishment of a Palestinian state.

The Division Between Sunni and Shia Muslims

The division between Sunni and Shia Muslims is another example of how religion contributes to conflicts in the Middle East. The divide between these two sects dates back to the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE, when there was disagreement over his successor. This disagreement led to a split between those who supported Abu Bakr (the first caliph) and those who supported Ali (the Prophet's cousin and son-in-law).

Since then, Sunni and Shia Muslims have developed distinct religious practices and beliefs. The majority of Muslims worldwide are Sunni, while the Shia make up a minority. However, in some countries, such as Iran and Iraq, the Shia make up a majority.

The divide between these two sects has led to ongoing conflicts, including sectarian violence and civil wars. In Iraq, for example, the overthrow of Saddam Hussein's Sunni-dominated government led to increased tensions between the Sunni and Shia populations.

Examples of the Conflict:

• In 2011, protests erupted in Syria, leading to a civil war that is still ongoing. The conflict has been fueled by the sectarian divide between Sunni and Shia Muslims. Syria is predominantly Sunni, but the ruling regime is led by Bashar al-Assad, who belongs to the Alawite sect, a branch of Shia Islam. This has led to tensions between Sunni rebels and the Shia-aligned government.

• In Iraq, there have been numerous instances of sectarian violence between Sunni and Shia Muslims. After the US-led invasion in 2003, Iraq was plunged into a sectarian conflict that lasted for years. Sunnis, who had dominated the country under Saddam Hussein's rule, felt marginalized by the Shia-led government that came to power after the invasion. This led to an insurgency that targeted Shia civilians and government officials.

Kurdish Nationalism

Kurdish nationalism is another example of how land plays a role in continuing conflicts in the Middle East. The Kurdish people are an ethnic group without a state, spread across Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey. Throughout history, the Kurds have sought to establish an independent Kurdistan.

The Kurdish struggle for independence has been met with opposition from the countries in which they reside. Turkey, for example, has been in conflict with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a militant group seeking Kurdish autonomy since the 1980s. Iran has also been in conflict with Kurdish separatists, such as the Party for a Free Life in Kurdistan (PJAK).

The conflict between the Kurds and the governments of the countries they reside in is rooted in the issue of land ownership. The Kurdish people feel that they have been denied their rights to their ancestral lands and seek to establish their own independent state.

Examples of the Conflict:

• The conflict between Turkey and the PKK has been ongoing since the 1980s. The PKK, which seeks greater autonomy for the Kurdish people in Turkey, has been labeled a terrorist organization by the Turkish government. The conflict has led to the displacement of thousands of Kurds, as well as numerous deaths on both sides.

• In Iraq, the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) has sought to establish an independent state for the Kurdish people. In 2017, the KRG held a referendum on independence, which was met with opposition from the Iraqi government. The referendum led to a military intervention by the Iraqi government, resulting in the loss of territory for the Kurds.