NIAS Global Politics Brief

CWA # 674
NIAS Global Politics Brief
The Middle East in 2021: Never-ending wars and conflicts

Shalini Balaiah
8 February 2022
Photo Source:

The Middle Eastern region has been undergoing rapid changes with significant developments in regional security and stability. While some of these changes have emanated within the region, others are a result of the broader shifts and global upheavals occurring around the world. The region has witnessed some positive developments such as the diplomatic normalization following the signing of Abraham Peace Accords and the resumption of nuclear talks with Iran, which have ushered new opportunities for regional peace and security. Furthermore, the year 2021 in the Middle East has been eventful with the impactful elections taking place in Iran, Israel, Iraq as well as the democratic backsliding in Tunisia and Sudan. Despite these significant changes, the Middle East remains an arena of conflict with “political instability, civil wars, territorial threats, economic crises, the proliferation of unconventional weaponry, external military involvement and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic”.  This paper will examine the key issues and developments that have shaped the Middle East in 2021. The paper will further seek to forecast some new trends and challenges for the year 2022.

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