An analytical investigation of consequences of terrorism in the Middle East

Abstract

The Middle East has experienced significant and wide-ranging consequences due to terrorism and the resulting War on Terror. The region saw substantial impacts as a result of the War on Terror. This study briefly overviews the security, economic and political repercussions of the prolonged conflict in the region. The rise of terrorism and the War on Terror in the Middle East have seriously affected security, political stability, intensified extremist movements, given rise to proxy wars, caused economic recession, humanitarian crises, restricted civil liberties, and disturbed the balance of power due to geopolitical shifts in regional affairs. The US attack on Iraq, the emergence of radical factions like ISIS and Al-Qaeda, refugee crises, civil wars and resultant humanitarian crises in Yemen, Syria, Libya, Iraq, Lebanon, and Palestine, destroyed many countries' economies and paralysed governments in affected countries, led to sectarianism and power vacuums, and ultimately undermined peace, security and sustainable development in the Middle East. It also had negative economic, security, and political impacts on other parts of the world. In addition, the intervention of external powers in the region and their counterterrorism measures have also motivated many people to join militant organizations. The grievances of common people and their immense civilian losses in the War on Terror gave rise to anti-Western sentiments and joining anti-Western militant groups. Therefore, understanding these consequences is crucial to developing a more effective approach to address the impacts of the War on Terror and restore peace and stability in the Middle East.