• UGI USER
  • Jul 30, 2024
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“ESCALATING CONFLICT IN WEST ASIA: RISKS OF WIDER WAR”

Why in the news?

Rising tensions in West Asia following a deadly rocket attack in Golan Heights, escalating Israel-Hezbollah conflict, and regional instability.

source:wordpress

Key points: Escalating Conflict in West Asia

Majdal Shams Attack and Hezbollah Involvement:

  • Rocket attack in Majdal Shams, Golan Heights, killed 12 young people.
  • Israel and the U.S. blame Hezbollah; Hezbollah initially claimed then denied involvement.
  • Israel is preparing a response despite Hezbollah’s denial.

Escalation Since October 7, 2023:

  • Hamas’s cross-border attack in Israel killed about 1,200 people.
  • Ongoing conflict on Israel’s northern border with Hezbollah since then.
  • Hezbollah’s rocket attacks from southern Lebanon target Israeli military outposts.
About West Asia:

  • Westernmost subregion of Asia, part of the Greater Middle East.
  • Includes Anatolia, Arabian Peninsula, Iran, Mesopotamia, Levant, Cyprus, Sinai Peninsula, and part of Transcaucasia.
  • Separated from Africa by Isthmus of Suez, from Europe by Turkish Straits and Caucasus watershed.
  • Northeast: Central Asia; East: South Asia.
  • Surrounded by eight seas: Aegean, Black, Caspian, Persian Gulf, Arabian, Gulf of Aden, Red, Mediterranean.

Key points: Golan Heights

  • Rocky plateau in southwestern Syria, 60 km south of Damascus.
  • Bounded by the Jordan River, Sea of Galilee, Mount Hermon, Wadi Al-Ruqqād River, and Yarmūk River.
  • Measures 44 miles (71 km) north-south and 27 miles (43 km) east-west.
  • Area: 1,150 square km.

History

  • Seized by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War.
  • Syrian Arab inhabitants fled; Israel began settlements.
  • Syria’s 1973 war attempt to retake Golan failed.
  • Israel annexed Golan Heights in 1981; over 30 Israeli settlements.
  • About 20,000 Syrians and 20,000 Israelis live there.

Strategic Importance

  • Damascus visible from Golan Hills.
  • Rainwater contributes one-third of Israel’s water supply via the Jordan River.
  • Fertile land suitable for farming.

Key Facts about Hezbollah:

  • Hezbollah, “Party of God,” is a Shiite militant group in Lebanon.
  • World’s most heavily armed non-state actor with diverse missiles.
  • Founded: during the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990).
  • Inspired and supported by Iran.
  • Opposes Israel, Western influence; supports Syrian government.
  • Active in Lebanese politics with parliamentary seats.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/india-and-the-great-power-contest-in-west-asia/