- Sectarian conflict: The Middle East is home to a diverse array of religious sects, including Sunni Muslims, Shia Muslims, Christians, and Druze. These sects have often been in conflict with each other for centuries, and these conflicts have been exacerbated by modern political rivalries.
- Nationalism: The Middle East is also home to a number of distinct national groups, each with its own language, culture, and history. These groups have often been in conflict with each other, sometimes leading to violence.
- Colonialism and its legacy: The Middle East was colonised by European powers in the 19th and 20th centuries. The legacy of colonialism has left many countries in the region with weak institutions and unresolved border disputes.
- Natural resources: The Middle East is home to some of the world's largest oil reserves. This wealth has made the region a target of foreign intervention, and it has also led to conflict between different groups within the region.
- Political instability: Many countries in the Middle East have experienced political instability in recent years. This instability has been caused by a number of factors, including the Arab Spring uprisings, the Syrian civil war, and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.
The turmoil in the Middle East is a complex and multifaceted issue with no easy solutions. It is important to understand the underlying causes of this turmoil in order to find ways to resolve it.
