Understanding the Middle East from a Historical Perspective: Challenges, Conflicts, and the Emergence of New Powers
It is often unknown to the younger generation that the Middle East has endured numerous challenges throughout history, including periods of oppression and turmoil in places like Palestine and Iraq.
The region, however, seems to lack the brave and charismatic leaders it once had. One notable figure in the history of Arab monarchy is Abdul Aziz Bin Saud, who made a lasting impression through his candid conversations with America. His influence even swayed the great American President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who recognized Bin Saud’s extensive knowledge of World War II. Bin Saud held high expectations that the American president would support Saudi Arabia’s plans to tap into its vast mineral resources. While the British were also influential at the time, Bin Saud saw the Americans as the ideal partners for his future endeavors.
Interestingly, President Roosevelt was eager to address the establishment of a Jewish state in the holy land. In response, the Saudi monarch, instead of showing anger, clarified that it was German Christians, not Arabs, who had inflicted harm upon the Jewish people and believed that the Germans should be held accountable.
Before American involvement, the blighted British and French were responsible for creating chaos in the Middle East. These corrupt imperialist powers divided the region into areas of control without considering the socio-political landscape. As a result, the countries created within these divisions experienced internal conflicts.
In more recent times, the United States must be credited with contributing to the mess in the region. Their actions in Iraq led to the destruction of the country, leaving behind a failed state that empowered jihadist groups. The involvement of Iran in Iraq cannot be ignored, and the Americans also brought destruction to Libya and then left it to civil wars.
Since Abdul Aziz’s time, no Arab leaders or monarchs have displayed the courage to openly challenge the United States, including Abdul Aziz’s own children. Although Saudi Arabia has not recognized Israel as an independent state, the sentiment of “enslavement” is prevalent from Oman to Morocco. However, it is important to note that Israel contests the existence of the letter “Pپ” in Arabic and questions the legitimacy of a country named Palestine, leaving Arab intellectuals perplexed.
Israel recently celebrated its 75th anniversary despite never having possessed the holy land on which it was established.
The West Bank and Gaza are currently experiencing escalating conflicts. President Joe Biden’s discussions with Mahmoud Abbas regarding a two-state solution during his visit to the Middle East have been met with mixed reactions. Many Arabs view it as blasphemy, considering Israel’s continued airstrikes in Gaza in recent weeks, resulting in the destruction of residential buildings in Khan Yunis.
While the Finance Minister of Israel denies the existence of a Palestinian nation and their culture, he has presented a map that includes land designated for the development of Israel, claiming that the West Bank and Jordan are part of their territory.
The future plans of the Arab world face great uncertainty. Can they be assured of lifelong security? With the potential reconciliation between Iran and Saudi Arabia, a new power is emerging in the Middle East, following the footsteps of the British, French, and Americans. China, an unprecedented and formidable force in the region, poses new challenges for both the Middle East and Western Europe.
By Islam Abdain
Student of Sociology at UOS