jlk – Proxy wars, a phenomenon long entrenched in global geopolitical dynamics, are vividly evident in the Middle East today.
In this region, Israel frequently stands at the center, not only as a direct conflict participant but also as a tool of various global interests.
This article delves deeply into how this proxy war unfolds, why Israel is a focal point, and how different countries, both within and outside the region, exploit this situation for their own ends.
Historical and Geopolitical Background
History of Conflict in the Middle East
Conflicts in the Middle East have deep and complex roots, involving various historical, religious, and political factors.
Since the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948, the region has become a battleground for diverse interests, from Middle Eastern countries themselves to global powers like the United States and the Soviet Union (later Russia).
Israel’s Role in Middle Eastern Geopolitics
Israel, with strong support from the United States, has become a dominant military and economic power in the region.
This support includes not only military aid but also diplomatic backing in international forums such as the United Nations.
Additionally, Israel possesses advanced military technology, frequently used in its military operations in the region.
Dynamics of Proxy Wars
Understanding Proxy Wars
Proxy wars are conflicts where two or more major powers use third parties to fight on their behalf, often to avoid direct confrontation.
In the Middle East, proxy wars often involve countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf states, which use various armed groups to achieve their goals.
Case Study: Israel-Houthi Conflict in Yemen
A clear example of a proxy war in the Middle East is the conflict between Israel and the Houthi group in Yemen.
In July 2024, Israel launched an airstrike on the Hudaydah port in Yemen, controlled by the Houthi group. This strike was reported as a response to a drone attack by the Houthis targeting Tel Aviv.
Saudi Arabia, although officially denying involvement, was suspected of allowing Israeli fighter jets to use its airspace for the strike.
This indicates how regional countries discreetly cooperate to combat a common threat, namely Iran and its proxies.
Global and Regional Interests
Interests of the United States and Western Allies
The United States has significant strategic interests in the Middle East, particularly in ensuring Israel’s security and curbing Iran’s influence. U.S.
support for Israel includes military, intelligence, and diplomatic assistance, all aimed at ensuring Israel’s dominance in the region.
Additionally, the U.S. imposes economic sanctions on Iran to weaken its economy and reduce its ability to fund its proxies.
Interests of Gulf States
Gulf states, especially Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, also have a vested interest in limiting Iran’s influence in the region.
They often indirectly support Israeli military operations, such as by allowing the use of their airspace or providing logistical support. They also cooperate with Israel in sharing intelligence and military technology.
Interests of Russia and China
Russia and China, although having different interests, are also involved in these dynamics. Russia, for instance, supports the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria, a close ally of Iran.
This support includes military and diplomatic assistance aimed at maintaining its influence in the region.
China, on the other hand, focuses more on economic investments and diplomacy to maintain regional stability to protect its investments and ensure the security of international trade routes.
Strategic Analysis and Impact
Impact on Regional Stability
This proxy war significantly impacts regional stability. Conflicts involving various actors often result in severe humanitarian crises, as seen in Yemen, Syria, and Gaza.
Additionally, tensions between Iran and its allies with Gulf states and Israel have the potential to escalate further, threatening global stability.
Military and Intelligence Strategies
From a military and intelligence perspective, this proxy war shows how countries use advanced technology and covert operations to achieve their goals.
Israel, for example, uses drones and precision airstrikes to target Houthi positions in Yemen. Conversely, Iran and its proxies use asymmetric strategies, such as drone and rocket attacks, to weaken their enemies without engaging in direct combat.
Criticism of This Approach
This approach also faces criticism from various quarters. Some analysts argue that Western military and intelligence support only prolongs conflicts and worsens humanitarian crises in the region.
Additionally, there are concerns that relying on proxy war strategies reduces the chances for long-term diplomatic solutions.
Expert Perspectives and Critical Analysis
Strategic Expert Views
Military strategists highlight that proxy wars in the Middle East reflect a shift in how nations engage in conflicts.
Instead of direct involvement, major powers use proxies to avoid the risks of direct confrontation and to keep their involvement within controllable limits.
However, this approach also carries risks, such as uncontrolled escalation and long-term impacts on regional stability.
Humanitarian Perspective
From a humanitarian perspective, these proxy wars pose significant challenges. Prolonged conflicts worsen living conditions for civilians, damage critical infrastructure, and create massive refugee crises.
Humanitarian organizations often struggle to provide aid in highly unstable and dangerous situations.
Criticism of International Support
Criticism is also directed at Western countries providing military and intelligence support to those involved in the conflict.
Some argue that this support only prolongs the war and hinders efforts to achieve peace. Additionally, there are concerns that this support could be seen as unauthorized interference in the internal affairs of other nations.
Conclusion
Proxy wars in the Middle East reveal the complexity and dynamics of modern conflicts. Israel, as one of the main actors in this region, often serves as a tool of global interests in efforts to curb Iran’s influence.
While this approach may offer short-term benefits, its long-term impact on regional stability and civilian well-being is significant.
In this context, it is crucial for the international community to continue promoting diplomatic and humanitarian efforts that can lead to long-term solutions and sustainable peace in the region. Only then can true stability and security be achieved in the Middle East.