The XXXVI International Scientific Symposium "Multidisciplinary Studies of the Turkish World" The 25 th of March 2023 ISBN: 978-605-72481-0-7 Eskishehir / Türkiye ---157---
One of the key external actors involved in the conflicts in the region has been the United States. The US
has been involved in the conflicts in Libya and Syria, and has provided support to the government of President
Hadi in Yemen. The US has also been involved in the fight against IS, both in Iraq and Syria. However, the
US has been criticized for its role in the conflicts, with some arguing that its interventions have contributed to
the instability in the region.
Russia has also been involved in the conflicts in the region, particularly in Syria. Russia has provided
support to the government of President Assad, including military support. Russia's involvement in the conflict
has been seen as a challenge to the US, and has contributed to tensions between the two countries.
Saudi Arabia and Iran have also played a significant role in the conflicts in the region. The rivalry
between the two countries has played out in the conflicts in Yemen and Syria, with both countries supporting
different sides. This has contributed to the instability in the region and has led to tensions between the two
countries.
The Arab Spring was a reminder of the challenges faced by many countries in the MENA region,
including political and economic instability, corruption, and human rights abuses. The uprisings highlighted
the need for greater democracy, transparency, and accountability, as well as the need to address the economic
and social grievances of the people. However, the conflicts that followed the uprisings have made it difficult
to achieve these goals, and have instead led to further instability and insecurity.
One of the main challenges facing the region is the lack of a strong and legitimate central government.
Many of the countries affected by the Arab Spring had authoritarian leaders who had been in power for
decades, and who had suppressed dissent and opposition. When these leaders were overthrown, there was often
no clear successor, and the result was a power vacuum that allowed different groups to gain control. The lack
of a strong central government has also made it difficult to provide basic services to the population, such as
healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Another challenge facing the region is the rise of extremism and terrorism. The instability in the region
has created a fertile ground for extremist groups, who have taken advantage of the situation to gain a foothold
and carry out attacks. The conflicts in Syria and Iraq have also led to the emergence of the Islamic State (IS),
which has carried out attacks both within the region and beyond. The threat of terrorism has led to increased
security measures in many countries, but it has also contributed to a climate of fear and uncertainty (Salloukh,
2013).
The conflicts in the region have also had a significant impact on the humanitarian situation. Millions of
people have been displaced, and many are facing food and water shortages, as well as the risk of disease
outbreaks. The situation in Yemen, in particular, has been described as one of the worst humanitarian crises in
the world, with millions of people in need of assistance. The humanitarian situation has been exacerbated by
the lack of a political solution to the conflicts, and by the involvement of external actors in the conflicts.
One of the main challenges facing the region is the lack of effective governance. Many of the countries
affected by the Arab Spring had weak and ineffective governments, which were unable to provide basic
services to the population. The lack of effective governance has contributed to the rise of extremism and
terrorism, as well as the humanitarian crisis in the region. It is important for the countries in the region to
establish strong and legitimate governments that can provide for the needs of the population.
Another challenge facing the region is the economic and social grievances of the population. Many of
the people who participated in the protests during the Arab Spring were motivated by economic and social
factors, such as unemployment, poverty, and inequality. These issues continue to be a major concern in the
region, and it is important for the governments to address these grievances in order to promote stability and
security.
. The ongoing conflicts in Syria and Iraq have led to the destruction of infrastructure, including water
treatment plants and power stations. This has had a devastating impact on the environment, with pollution and
waste contributing to health problems and further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. It is important for the
countries in the region to prioritize environmental protection and address the damage caused by the conflicts.
Another challenge facing the region is the impact of the conflicts on education and culture. The conflicts
have led to the destruction of schools, universities, and cultural heritage sites, which has had a negative impact
on the education and cultural development of the region. It is important for the countries in the region to
prioritize education and culture, and to work to rebuild and preserve these important institutions.
The Arab Spring was a reminder of the challenges faced by the MENA region, including political and
economic instability, extremism and terrorism, and a humanitarian crisis. Addressing these challenges will
require a comprehensive and coordinated response from all actors involved, including the countries in the
region and the international community. It is important for the countries to prioritize effective governance,