A conceptualization of the Middle Eastern security structure: Proxy wars of all against all

Abstract

The 9/11 caused chaotic order in the Middle East in two episodes. The first episode starts from 2001 and ends in 2011, but the second episode start from 2011 and continues till date. The active military intervention as attacks on Afghanistan and Iraq was not able to destroy the Taliban and Al Qaida. Also, the collapse of Saddam Hussein has created a complex instability in the country. This was a turning point for Iran to widening its influence over Iraq without paying huge cost. The new situation disrupted the regional balance of power and has caused concerns for rival actors such as Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The current state of instability and regional disorder in Middle East is mismanagement of crises and developments held from 2001 to 2011. This study shows that after 2011, religious conflicts and geopolitical competitions had a huge regional transformation from a relatively static state to a quite chaotic condition. It seems that the time has come and the countries involved in the conflict, must sign a comprehensive and durable convention on all aspects like the Westphalia post-war period. The involved countries must realize that they have to avoid the spread of proxy war to an unlimited war between nations in the Middle East.