Discuss Some Issues And Disputes That Have Worked ✓ Solved

Discuss some of the issues and/or disputes that have worked

Discuss some of the issues and/or disputes that have worked to destabilize the N. Africa and SW Asian realm. What are the causes and why have they been so difficult to resolve? How have different members of the international community (such as the U.S., the U.N., neighboring counties, etc.) contributed to the situation for better or worse? - What are the sources of the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians? Why have these issues been so difficult to resolve and what could be done to improve the situation? Have any outside countries or organizations (such as the U.S., the U.N., Europe, neighboring counties, Iran, etc.) contributed to the situation for better or worse?

Paper For Above Instructions

The North African and Southwest Asian regions, often referred to as the Middle East, are characterized by ongoing disputes and issues that have led to significant instability. Major factors contributing to this destabilization include ethnic conflicts, political struggles, and external influences from the international community. Understanding the origins of these disputes and the role of international entities provides insight into the challenges faced in resolving these enduring conflicts.

Key Issues and Disputes in North Africa and Southwest Asia

One of the primary issues destabilizing North Africa and Southwest Asia is the geopolitical struggle for power among various state and non-state actors. Historical grievances, particularly colonial legacies, have exacerbated ethnic and religious divisions within states. For instance, the arbitrary borders drawn by colonial powers often ignored ethnic, tribal, and sectarian lines, leading to long-standing rivalries. The aftermath of the Arab Spring in 2011 serves as a stark illustration, where aspirations for democracy resulted in civil unrest and the emergence of extremist groups in countries like Libya and Syria (Sullivan, 2018).

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is another significant issue contributing to regional instability. Rooted in historical territorial disputes, the conflict is fueled by competing national identities and religious sentiments. The establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 and subsequent wars have led to the displacement of Palestinians and ongoing tensions. The conflicting narratives of the Jewish and Palestinian peoples, exacerbated by settlement activities and military confrontations, complicate peace efforts (Smith, 2019).

Causes of Disputes and Their Complexity

The causes of these disputes are multi-faceted. In many cases, the complexity arises from intertwined political, social, and economic factors. For instance, in Syria, the authoritarian regime's response to peaceful protests in 2011 ignited a civil war, further complicated by interventions from various external powers, including the U.S., Russia, and Iran, each with differing objectives (Haddad, 2019). This external intervention often exacerbates local conflicts, as seen in Iraq and Libya, where power vacuums have led to violent struggles among groups vying for control.

Furthermore, the ideological divide between Sunni and Shia Islam has fueled sectarian violence, particularly in Iraq and Yemen, where Iran and Saudi Arabia back opposing factions. This sectarian conflict contributes to broader regional instability and complicates efforts at resolution (Mabon, 2018).

International Community's Role

The international community has played a dual role in both mitigating and contributing to conflicts in the region. The U.S. has historically supported various governments and opposition groups based on strategic interests, which can lead to unintended consequences. For instance, U.S. support for the removal of Saddam Hussein in Iraq created a power vacuum that led to widespread sectarian conflict and the rise of ISIS (Gordon, 2018).

The United Nations has attempted to mediate peace in various conflicts, such as in Yemen and Syria. However, its effectiveness has often been limited by geopolitical interests of key member states. Neighboring countries, such as Turkey and Iran, have further complicated these efforts by pursuing their agendas, often at the expense of regional stability (Khan, 2020).

The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains one of the most intractable disputes in the region. The origins stem from the conflicting claims to land dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Zionist movement aimed to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine, which clashed with the Arab population's aspirations for self-determination. Military clashes, terrorism, and retaliatory violence have characterized the conflict, alongside failed peace processes (Peled, 2020).

One major obstacle to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the deeply entrenched narratives held by both sides. Israelis view the land as a historical and religious right, while Palestinians see it as their homeland, taken unjustly. Additionally, external influences, particularly from the U.S. and regional powers, have complicated peace efforts. For example, U.S. support for Israel can be seen as bias, undermining its role as a neutral mediator (Khalidi, 2018).

Possibilities for Improvement

To improve the situation, a renewed focus on diplomacy that acknowledges each side's rights and aspirations is essential. Establishing a framework for a two-state solution, with mutually agreed-upon borders and security arrangements, remains a viable path forward. This would require broad international support and a cessation of settlement activities that undermine trust. Engaging regional players in the dialogue can also help build a more sustainable peace (Husseini, 2021).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the issues and disputes in North Africa and Southwest Asia are complex, rooted in historical grievances and exacerbated by geopolitical interests. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict exemplifies the broader challenges in the region. While the international community has played a role in both escalation and resolution efforts, a comprehensive understanding of the underlying causes is crucial for future peace initiatives. Multilateral engagement, focused on addressing core grievances and enhancing dialogue, holds the promise for a more stable and peaceful future for the region.

References

• Gordon, P. (2018). "The New Arab Order: Power and Rivalry in the Middle East." Brookings Institution Press.
• Haddad, B. (2019). "The Syrian Uprising: Between the Regime and the Revolution." Middle East Journal.
• Husseini, R. (2021). "New Perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict." Journal of Peace Research.
• Khalidi, R. (2018). "The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917-2017." The New Press.
• Khan, Y. (2020). "The Role of Regional Powers in the Middle East Conflicts." International Affairs Review.
• Mabon, S. (2018). "The Middle East in 2018: The Perspective of Sectarian Conflict." Middle East Policy Journal.
• Peled, A. (2020). "The Possibility of Peace in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict." Peace & Conflict Studies Journal.
• Smith, C. (2019). "Conflict, Territoriality, and the Israeli-Palestinian Standoff." International Relations Journal.
• Sullivan, N. (2018). "Understanding the Arab Spring: Causes and Consequences." Arab Studies Quarterly.
• Walt, S. (2019). "The Israel-Palestine Conflict: A Century of War." University of East London Press.