CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN THE MIDDLE EAST: THE ROLE OF REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND MULTILATERAL FRAMEWORKS

Abstract

The Middle East has long been characterized by protracted conflicts shaped by historical grievances, geopolitical rivalries, sectarian divides, and external interventions. In recent years, scholars and policymakers have increasingly turned their attention to the potential role of regional organizations and multilateral frameworks in addressing these persistent challenges. While global institutions such as the United Nations have traditionally dominated peace efforts, regional actors, including the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), have pursued mediation of disputes, encouraging dialogue, and promoting cooperative security arrangements. However, these organizations often face structural limitations, internal divisions, and political rivalries that weaken their effectiveness. At the same time, emerging multilateral initiatives, including Track II diplomacy, joint peacekeeping arrangements, and international–regional partnerships, have highlighted new opportunities for conflict resolution. Drawing on these notion, study attempts to assess the successes, shortcomings, and prospects of regional and multilateral approaches to peace in the Middle East. The paper infers that sustainable conflict resolution requires a hybrid model—leveraging regional legitimacy and local ownership while integrating the resources and neutrality of global multilateral frameworks. With an exhaustive analysis of contemporary case studies such as the Syrian conflict, the Yemeni crisis, and normalization processes, the research contributes to an adequate level of understanding regarding how cooperative mechanisms can evolve to address the complex dynamics of Middle Eastern conflicts.