Battle drums get louder in Middle East

 
The world has rarely been without war and conflicts. However, recent wars seem particularly interminable. These prolonged conflicts are especially detrimental to the developing world, which is disproportionately affected. The current global environment is often described as volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous etcetera. This jeopardized world is becoming increasingly troublesome for developing countries, which find themselves embroiled in conflicts not of their making. These nations are struggling to navigate through an unpredictable landscape where the pathway to peace and stability remains unclear.

The United States, Russia and China are often seen as key players in many of these conflicts, providing military aid, political support, or even direct intervention. For instance, the U.S. has a longstanding alliance with Israel, while Russia and Iran have been key supporters of the Syrian government and Hezbollah. China's growing influence in the Middle East adds another layer of complexity, particularly through its Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to enhance regional connectivity and trade. Hezbollah Chief Hasan Nasrullah’s death a few days ago caused by an Israeli military attack has intensified the antagonism between the Islamist groups based in the Middle East and Tel Aviv.

These superpowers are driven by strategic interests that often clash with each other, creating a precarious balance of power. The involvement of these external actors can both escalate and mitigate conflicts, depending on their actions and diplomatic engagements. This geopolitical chess game makes the prediction of future conflicts even more challenging, as alliances and enmities can shift rapidly.

The wars in Syria, Yemen and Iraq have resulted in millions of deaths and displacements, creating one of the worst refugee crises in modern history. In Gaza, the humanitarian situation is dire with civilians especially, the women and children are bearing the brunt of the ongoing violence. The international community has often been criticized for its inadequate response to these crises, struggling to provide effective humanitarian aid and failing to broker lasting peace agreements. This perpetuates a cycle of trauma and conflict, making long-term peace and development an elusive goal. The international community's role in addressing these humanitarian crises is crucial, but often hampered by political interests and logistical challenges. Biased or sensationalized reporting can fuel hostilities and deepen divisions, while responsible journalism and accurate reporting can promote understanding and peace.

Social media has emerged as a powerful tool in modern conflicts, used both for disseminating information and spreading propaganda. It allows for real-time updates but also enables the rapid spread of misinformation. To conclude, battle-drums have become all the more louder in the Middle East following Israeli attacks on Lebanon and Yemen.