Kazemzadeh, H. Internal Journal of ACPCS, Spring No.09. 2020

The prolonged violence in West Asia, encompassing Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq, has been profoundly shaped by the political dimensions of conflict resolution. The region has endured widespread repercussions from terrorism and the subsequent War on Terror. These challenges have critically influenced security, political stability, and conflict resolution efforts.

This study examines the far-reaching consequences of terrorism and the War on Terror, including their impact on internal violence and governance. The rise of extremist movements, such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda, has exacerbated political instability and fueled proxy wars. These conflicts have led to severe economic downturns, humanitarian crises, erosion of civil liberties, and significant geopolitical shifts that disrupted the balance of power in the region.

The U.S. invasion of Iraq and the ensuing chaos fostered power vacuums, sectarian violence, and weakened state institutions in countries like Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, and Palestine. Civil wars, refugee crises, and governmental paralysis have devastated national economies, undermining peace and sustainable development. External powers’ counterterrorism measures further fueled discontent, driving many to join militant organizations and deepening anti-Western sentiment.

To effectively address these challenges, it is essential to understand how the War on Terror has reshaped West Asia’s socio-political landscape. A nuanced approach to conflict resolution is required to mitigate these impacts and promote sustainable peace and stability in the region.

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