Political dynamics in the Middle East have undergone significant changes in recent years, reflecting the complexity of international relations, ethnic conflicts, and global economic influences. One of the most striking trends is the shift in geopolitical power. The agreement to normalize relations between Israel and several Arab countries, such as the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, through the Abraham Accords in 2020, shows a change in regional dynamics. This agreement is considered a strategic step to face common challenges, especially Iran. On the other hand, the conflict in Syria still continues, although its intensity has decreased. While Bashar al-Assad’s government regained control over most of the territory, challenges to the regime’s legitimacy remain, especially from opposition groups backed by Western countries. In recent years, Russia and Iran have increased their role as supporters of Assad, while the United States appears to have chosen to reduce its military involvement. Yemen is suffering from a protracted civil war, with the conflict between the Houthis and the internationally recognized government. The humanitarian crisis in the country has reached a critical point, and diplomatic efforts by the UN have not resulted in a significant resolution. The involvement of countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in this conflict also shows how local power struggles interact with foreign interests. Lebanon is experiencing a severe economic crisis, exacerbating political tensions between various religious groups. The outbreak of protests in 2019 reflected popular dissatisfaction with the government. The Hezbollah group, which is backed by Iran, continues to play an important role in Lebanese politics, causing further tensions with Western and regional countries. Another important development is Saudi-Iranian relations which continue to fluctuate. Despite efforts at negotiation and diplomacy, tensions remain, especially regarding Iran’s influence in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. The two are engaged in intense competition for influence in the region, which has an impact on regional stability. Meanwhile, Türkiye’s role is increasingly important in the Middle East. Under the leadership of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey has increased its involvement in the region, both in military and political contexts, including support for opposition groups in Syria and an active role in the Libyan conflict. This aggressive approach has often faced criticism from Western countries and worsened Türkiye’s relations with several neighboring countries. With global economic pressure and the energy crisis, oil-rich countries, such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are trying to diversify their economies through the Vision 2030 and UAE Centennial 2071 initiatives. These efforts aim to reduce dependence on oil while attracting foreign investment and developing non-oil sectors. The issue of migration is also in focus, with many European countries responding to the increasing flow of refugees from conflict countries. Strict immigration policies are in the spotlight as a challenge to diplomatic relations between Europe and countries in the Middle East. Overall, current political dynamics in the Middle East demonstrate deep complexity, with many conflicting actors and interests. Uncertainty about the future continues to loom large, and the need for dialogue and diplomacy has become increasingly urgent in the region.
