The World’s Largest Conflict: Causes and Impact
The world has witnessed many conflicts that have shaken the stability of countries and changed the fate of millions of people. One of the largest and most impactful conflicts is the war in Syria, which began in 2011. This war was the result of various factors, including popular dissatisfaction with the government and the impact of the Arab Spring. Political repression and economic crisis were also major drivers.
Syria has become a battlefield for various international interests. On the one hand, there is a coalition led by the United States that supports rebel groups, while on the other hand, Russia and Iran support Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The involvement of these global powers worsened the situation and caused far-reaching impacts, both regionally and globally.
Causative factor
1. Politics and Oppression:
The al-Assad regime is known for its repressive measures against political opposition. The arrest and torture of activists sparked public outrage, sparking peaceful protests that later turned into armed conflict.
2. Economy:
A severe economic crisis due to corruption, high inflation and prolonged drought made the situation worse. Many people lost their jobs and access to resources, further fueling social tensions.
3. Overseas Engagement:
Intervention from countries such as Russia, Iran, and Türkiye complicates the situation. Each country has different strategic goals, dividing Syria into zones of influence and prolonging the conflict.
4. Sectarianism:
Sectarian divisions between Sunnis and Alawites were one of the main triggers. The Alawite-dominated regime faced resistance from the Sunni majority, adding complexity to the conflict.
Impact of Conflict
1. Humanity:
This conflict has generated millions of refugees, with many fleeing to neighboring countries such as Türkiye, Lebanon and Jordan. The humanitarian crisis that occurred created a burden for these countries and gave rise to social and political challenges.
2. Global Economy:
The impact of the conflict is also being felt at the global level, where prices of oil and other goods are affected by instability in the Middle East. Countries that depend on regional stability are experiencing price spikes and economic uncertainty.
3. Geopolitics:
The involvement of great powers has changed the power dynamics in the Middle East. This is creating new tensions and disputes between countries seeking greater influence in the region.
4. Terrorism:
The emergence of extremist groups such as ISIS during conflicts shows long-term impacts that can threaten global stability. Radical thinking spread quickly, inspiring attacks around the world.
By understanding the causes and impacts of the world’s largest conflict, we can see the importance of peaceful resolution and diplomatic efforts to prevent similar situations from arising in the future. This problem is not only the responsibility of the countries involved, but also the international community as a whole.