“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/ |