Religious and Nationalistic Conflict in the Middle East - Coursework Example

Before the First World War, the Jewish immigrants and Palestinians coexisted peacefully despite the confusion created by the Jewish inhabitation of the area. However, the events of the First World War resulted in a protracted religious and nationalistic conflict that persists to date (White 258-286).

The British wanted to win the war against the Germans. Therefore, it fuelled Arab hostility against the Turks with the promise of establishing a united Arab country at the end of the way. Instead of establishing a united Arab country as it had promised, the British divided the region into territories governed by families. Their territories rivaled each other leading to the eventual emergence of independent states such as Syria, Iran, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf States. The British also promised the Jews that it will create the Jewish nation in Palestine. The creation of the state of Israel increased tension in the region which resulted in repeated wars between the Arabs and Israel. Israel defeated the Arabs in each of these wars forcing the Arabs to turn to terrorism.

Change in international policies can prevent future occurrences of conflict. The international community should play a key role in demarcating the boundaries separating the countries. In addition, the countries should recognize each other as sovereign states and also respect their religious differences. Read More