- What began as a localised war between Israel and Hamas has quickly escalated into a regional security crisis, throwing a cloud of uncertainty and instability throughout West Asia.
- This growing crisis encompasses a complex web of state and non-state actors, each with their own goals and methods, resulting in a highly volatile and unpredictable scenario.
Escalation Beyond Borders
As Israel opened its military operation in Gaza in response to Hamas’ cross-border attacks, concerns mounted that the conflict might spread beyond Palestine’s boundaries. The involvement of many actors has exacerbated the situation:
- Hezbollah’s sympathy: In sympathy with the Palestinians, Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed Lebanese Shia militia, fired rockets towards Israeli forces. This action extended the conflict beyond the immediate theatre of operations.
- Israel and Hezbollah exchanged fire several times, with both sides displaying prudence in order to avoid a full-scale war. Nonetheless, these episodes exacerbated regional animosity.
- Iran-Backed Militias: Iran, a major supporter of non-state entities in the region, has supplied assistance to groups such as Hamas, the Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, Houthis, and Shia militias in Iraq and Syria. This assistance has aided in the spread of the issue.
- Houthi Disruptions: In an effort to show solidarity with the Palestinians, Houthi militants in Yemen have begun targeting commercial ships in the Red Sea. The Houthis, who control much of Yemen, including the Red Sea coast, hindered marine commerce in a critical international waterway.
Global ramifications
The crisis in West Asia has worldwide implications:
- U.S. Airstrikes in Yemen: In support of Israel’s activities, the United States conducted airstrikes in Yemen, therefore directly intervening in the regional conflict. The airstrikes introduced a new dimension to the crisis.
- Hashad al-Shabi’s Escalation: The Shia Mobilisation Forces of Iraq and Syria, backed by Iran, staged over a hundred attacks on US troops stationed in both countries. These attacks were interpreted as reprisal against the United States’ backing for Israel.
- Expanded of Instability: As instability expanded throughout the region, extremist groups, like the Islamic State, sought to capitalise on the situation. Iraq and Syria, in particular, remain exposed to both internal and external threats.
- Cross-Border Retaliation: In response to Iran’s actions, Pakistan launched airstrikes within Iranian territory, heightening regional tensions.
Key Players and their Objectives
- Understanding the situation necessitates a study of the main participants and their goals:
- Israel’s principal goals include destroying Hamas and obtaining the release of hostages held by the organisation. Israel has the unshakable support of the United States in accomplishing these objectives.
- Iran is a key sponsor of several anti-Israel non-state players in West Asia, including Hamas, the Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Shia militias.
- U.S. Interests: The United States, which has a substantial military presence in the region, wants to assure Israel’s security, safeguard American troops and assets, and maintain the U.S.-led order in West Asia.
Implications of Regional Security
- The crisis in West Asia has resulted in a period of increased insecurity and instability:
- Widespread Security Crisis: Unlike previous conflicts, which frequently included nation-states or specific non-state players, the current crisis involves a broader spectrum of powerful nations and non-state entities, resulting in a highly volatile situation.
- Disruption of the old order: The crisis has exposed the vulnerability of the region’s previous US-led regime. Iran-backed proxies actively target Israeli and American locations, while Iran shows its military might with cross-border operations.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/why-are-conflicts-spreading-in-west-asia-explained/article67760511.ece