Conflicts in the Middle East | Active Summary

Objectives

1. Identify and describe the main issues involved in the conflicts in the Middle East, including religious, economic, commercial, and border aspects.

2. Develop analytical skills to understand the relationships between different conflicting issues and how they influence regional and global dynamics.

3. Foster debate and exchange of ideas to deepen mutual understanding of the different perspectives on the conflicts.

4. Encourage independent research and the use of varied sources to enrich knowledge about the Middle East.

Contextualization

Did you know that the Middle East is one of the most complex regions in the world in terms of conflicts? In addition to being the birthplace of three major monotheistic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), it is also a region rich in oil, making it highly strategic for world powers. This explosive combination of historical, religious, economic, and political factors makes the Middle East a true labyrinth of conflicts, challenges, and opportunities for global diplomacy.

Important Topics

Religion and Conflicts

Religion has been a central factor in the conflicts of the Middle East, especially among Jews, Christians, and Muslims. From the dispute over the Holy Land in Jerusalem to the sectarian differences within Islam, such as the division between Sunnis and Shiites, religious issues play a significant role in the escalation and perpetuation of conflicts in the region.

• Territorial Disputes: The possession of sacred sites by different religious groups often triggers tensions and conflicts.

• Sectarianism: The division between Sunnis and Shiites has led to prolonged conflicts in countries like Iraq and Syria, exacerbated by external interference.

• Religious Fundamentalism: The rise of religious fundamentalism has been associated with acts of terrorism and justifications for violent actions in the name of faith.

Natural Resources and Economy

Wealth in natural resources, especially oil, is an economic factor that plays a central role in the conflicts of the Middle East. The competition for control and access to these resources has influenced regional and international alliances, as well as being a source of tension and conflict among states in the region.

• Oil: Control of oil reserves is a source of power and wealth, often leading to foreign interventions and local conflicts.

• Dependent Economies: The economies of most Middle Eastern countries are highly dependent on oil, making them vulnerable to fluctuations in the global market and internal instabilities.

• Economic Inequality: Unequal distribution of wealth from natural resources often generates social and political tensions.

Borders and Nationalism

The borders drawn in the Middle East during the colonial period, often without considering local ethnic and religious diversity, have been a continuous source of conflicts. Nationalism, often manipulated by political leaders to consolidate power, can contribute to internal conflicts and wars between states in the region.

• Colonialism: The legacy of colonial borders can result in divided territories that house rival ethnic and religious groups.

• Arab Nationalism: Arab and non-Arab nationalist movements have sought to unite or divide states based on cultural and linguistic identities, increasing tensions.

• Terrorism and Separatism: Groups seeking independence or autonomy often justify their actions based on territorial and identity claims.

Key Terms

• Sunnis and Shiites: The two main divisions of Islam, which have significant historical and theological differences and often come into conflict.

• Religious Fundamentalism: A strict and literal interpretation of religion that can justify violence and conflict with other groups.

• Colonialism: The political and economic control of one country or territory by another, often resulting in arbitrary divisions that can provoke future conflicts.

To Reflect

• How can religious interpretation influence politics and conflicts in the Middle East? Reflect on concrete examples.

• In what ways can control of natural resources like oil be a factor of development or conflict in a region?

• Think about how the borders drawn in the Middle East during the colonial period affect political stability and current conflicts.

Important Conclusions

• We explored the deep roots of conflicts in the Middle East, from religious issues to territorial disputes and economic factors like oil.

• We discussed how the region is influenced by historical legacies such as colonialism, and how arbitrary borders continue to fuel tensions and conflicts.

• We analyzed the importance of understanding these conflicts for diplomacy, international business, and journalism, highlighting the complexity and interconnectedness of the factors involved.

To Exercise Knowledge

Develop a conceptual map that connects the causes and effects of conflicts in the Middle East, including factors such as religion, economy, borders, and external interventions. Use colors and symbols to represent different types of connections and relationships.

Challenge

Simulate a debate among different actors involved in a specific conflict in the Middle East, such as Israel and Palestine. Prepare arguments based on research about the historical, religious, economic, and political positions of each side, and try to understand the conflict from the other's perspective.

Study Tips

• Use online resources, such as interactive maps and educational videos, to visualize and better understand the geography and history of the Middle East, which can help contextualize the conflicts.

• Stay updated with news about the Middle East and try to identify how the factors discussed in class manifest in recent events.

• Participate in online discussion forums or study groups addressing topics of history and geopolitics to exchange ideas and deepen your understanding with different perspectives.