What is the source of the constant conflict in the Middle East?

Answer 1

The Middle East was ruled by an empire that failed (The Ottoman) and when the winners (the Anglo-French-American quasi-alliance) conquered it at the end of WW1 they redesigned it to suit their needs, not necessarily the needs of the locals. They installed monarchs/rulers who would toe the line to Anglo-French-American foreign policy, which incited conflict, and made sure they fight amongst themselves rather than join up as a powerful force. The Americans get cheap access to oil, the Brits get to control the Suez canal (through a friendly Egypt), and both control local politics. The French mostly got out after leaving Lebanon and Syria in the 1960s', although they have minimal ties today. This is a simplification, but is hard to ignore reading basic history. To be clear the 'Middle East' is a geological term, referring to the vast oil deposits near Saudi Arabia/Iraq/UAE/Iran, not really a geopolitical term. Given the importance of oil, its easy to understand why the term is used vaguely, but shouldn't be confused. Iran and Afghanistan have a fundamentally genetically/linguistic/religious difference with other countries of the 'Middle East' and so shouldn't be grouped in, but often are, probably because they are superficially 'brown skinned muslems in that general area' which is discriminatory and ignorant but probably the general belief in Western Media. Learn about the Ottoman Empire, The Book of Signs and Persia/Iran, get enlightened!