The Middle East: A Region at a Crossroads
The Middle East, known for its rich history, culture, and natural resources, remains engulfed in complex conflicts and shifting alliances that threaten its stability. Despite its vast potential for prosperity, the region continues to face political rivalry, sectarian strife, and interventions by great powers. The Israeli airstrike on Hamas leadership in Doha on September 9, 2025, conducted with Saudi Arabia’s quiet consent to use its airspace, reveals the intricate and often contradictory forces shaping the region today. This article examines the deep divisions within the Middle East and how recent power shifts in 2025 are intensifying longstanding challenges.
Table of Contents
Tracing the Historical Backbone of Division
To understand the current geopolitical situation in the Middle East, one must consider its historical roots. The colonial powers, after the fall of the Ottoman Empire, drew borders that ignored ethnic, tribal, and religious realities. This imposed division planted the seeds of modern discord. After World War II, events such as the creation of Israel and the rise of Arab nationalism further entrenched conflicts. The Cold War transformed the region into a battleground for proxy wars, reinforcing authoritarian regimes focused on survival rather than serving their people.
| Government Type | Examples | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Parliamentary Republic | Israel, Turkey, Iraq, Lebanon | Elected leaders with varying degrees of democracy |
| Traditional Monarchy | Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar | Hereditary rulers with centralized authority |
| Theocratic Republic | Iran | Religious leadership closely involved in governance |
| Transitional/Conflict | Syria, Yemen, Libya | Fragmented authority and ongoing conflicts |
Why Did Saudi Arabia Permit Israeli Airspace Access for Strikes Against Hamas in Qatar? What Does This Mean?
Saudi Arabia’s decision to let Israeli jets fly over its airspace for the September 2025 strike, despite no formal diplomatic relations between the two countries, signals a pragmatic change in regional priorities. With Iran’s growing influence seen as a key threat, Gulf states like Saudi Arabia are cooperating quietly with Israel to counter Iran-supported proxy militias such as Hamas. This cooperation prioritizes security interests over public expressions or historical rivalries.
Internal Fractures: Governance, Sectarianism, and Social Divides
Governance challenges remain widespread across the Middle East. Many governments maintain power through manipulated elections or repression, fueling discontent and weakening political legitimacy. The Arab Spring offered a brief hope for change before most countries reverted to authoritarian control or descended into conflict. Tunisia is among the few countries to show some success, though it has also faced recent democratic setbacks.
Sectarian tensions, notably the Sunni and Shia divide between Saudi Arabia and Iran, sustain proxy conflicts in Yemen, Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon. During this, ethnic minorities such as Kurds and Berbers endure exclusion along with fears of separatism. These factors continue to undermine social unity and stability.
Economic Disparities and Resource Competition Intensify Conflict
Oil wealth remains concentrated in the hands of a few elites, limiting economic opportunities for many and fostering inequality. Water scarcity, especially tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Nile, presents growing challenges worsened by climate change. Economic struggles including youth unemployment and poor infrastructure add to political unrest and decline public trust.
Regional Power Dynamics: The Saudi-Iran Rivalry and Arab-Israeli Normalization
The rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran shapes much of the region’s geopolitics, with each supporting different factions across various conflicts. Simultaneously, initiatives such as the Abraham Accords have redefined traditional relationships between Arab states and Israel, motivated by shared security concerns and economic opportunities. However, these normalization efforts face resistance from public opinion, particularly after recent Israeli military actions in Gaza.
The Qatar Airstrike: A Case Study in Regional Fragmentation
The September 2025 Israeli airstrike on Hamas officials in Doha, enabled by Saudi airspace permission, highlights the fragile nature of regional alliances and security arrangements. The strike aimed to disrupt Hamas leadership during ceasefire talks but also exposed rifts within the Arab world. Qatar, host to Hamas leaders since 2012, condemned the attack. An emergency summit convened shortly after but produced little coordinated action. This situation exposes how mistrust and competing interests prevent unified responses to shared threats.
External Powers: Balancing Engagement and Withdrawal
The roles of the United States, Russia, China, and Turkey are crucial but inconsistent. Despite costly past interventions, the United States is reducing its direct involvement, creating openings for other powers to gain influence, sometimes with conflicting agendas that deepen local conflicts. The U.S. has been criticized for promoting democracy rhetorically while supporting authoritarian regimes. Russia and China have expanded their presence, particularly in Syria and the broader West Asia region, using economic and military means.
What Will It Take for Lasting Stability in the Middle East?
To break the cycle of conflict, the Middle East must focus on these priorities:
- Inclusive Governance: Political systems should reflect the region’s ethnic and religious diversity and channel public grievances into legitimate institutions that offer security and opportunity.
- Regional Cooperation: Organizations such as the Gulf Cooperation Council and Arab League need revitalization and new mandates to foster trust and coordinate on security, resources, and development.
- Principled Global Engagement: External powers should balance strategic interests with lasting support for human rights and democracy, avoiding temporary interventions or neglect.
Read Also: How oil reshaped development across the Middle East
Conclusion: Navigating Toward a Stable Future
The Middle East stands at a critical point in history. Events like the September 2025 airstrike in Doha and Saudi Arabia’s quiet cooperation show a changing landscape marked by pragmatic alliances, but also by deep divisions. The path to peace and development requires leadership committed to accountability and inclusivity, alongside sustained and balanced international partnerships. The people desire dignity, justice, and economic opportunity. These goals can be achieved if governments and global actors commit to long-term stability rather than short-term gains.
Sources:
ACLED – Middle East Overview July 2025
Foreign Policy Research Institute – US Role in Middle East 2025
2 thoughts on “Middle East Turmoil in 2025: Internal Divisions and External Influences Fuel Ongoing Instability”