He Middle East and the World: Identity and Conflict in the Middle East - Essay Example

Postcolonial Middle East was characterised by formation of weak states. As such, they always end up controlled by other powers due to self interest The discovery of oil in the Middle East in 1945 has enormously influenced their strength with reference to the rest of the world’s powerful states. There are other underlying causes of war as well, like the Islamists resentment to the west especially the United States for undermining Islamic superiority. In addition, there is a considerable cultural clash especially when it comes to women rights and sexuality. The U.S has developed a rather liberal attitude towards the conduct of women in relation to participation in leadership and dressing.

Moreover, the U.S has championed for lesbian and gay rights, which is against Islamic conservative laws. This incompatibility has led to squabbles between the two power blocks. Foreign intervention has helped to resolve the Middle East countries to solve their national identity issues as well as achieve social reconciliation (William and Bunton 412). This is due to failure of the Arab league to resolve their internal conflicts. This study narrows down on the cases of Lebanon, Iran and Syria. Lebanon with a weak political regime between 1975 and 1989 became the theatre of war and haven for terrorists for groups contesting to have a role in their domestic and global geopolitics.

However, Lebanon is quite diverse in its people and heritage with rich history and civilisation (Marjane 52). Lebanon’s first president was Bishara al Khur elected in 1943 and was an imperialist who had done little about the economy; he served for a two six-year term. However, Lebanon assumed full independence from the French in 1946. The next president, Shamun who silenced radicals during his regime and allowed Christians occupied most of the positions claiming their numbers were more as compared to