In a recent opinion piece, Egyptian writer Anwar El-Hawary discussed the complex history of the region, highlighting its status as a focal point of conflict between internal and external forces. El-Hawary noted that this struggle has deep roots, stretching back to ancient civilizations in Persia, Anatolia, and the Nile Valley. He emphasized that the Nile Valley emerged from this conflict unscathed over 2,500 years ago.
El-Hawary pointed out that the opposite is true for Persia, which has been embroiled in conflict since the 5th century BC. He cited the ancient wars between Persia and Greece, as well as Persia's subsequent defeat at the hands of Alexander the Great. However, Persia regained its strength with the establishment of the Sassanid Empire in 224 AD, and resumed its struggle for dominance over the East against Rome and later Byzantium.
The writer highlighted the significant impact of the Sassanid Empire's conflicts with Rome and Byzantium, including the capture of Roman Emperor Valerian. El-Hawary drew a parallel between this historical event and the potential consequences if Iran were to capture a US president. He also noted that the Sassanid Empire's wars with Byzantium lasted for three centuries, peaking in the 7th century AD.
The advent of Islam marked a significant turning point in the region's history, as it led to the downfall of the Sassanid Empire and eventually Byzantium. El-Hawary noted that Islam's impact on the region was swift and decisive in the case of the Sassanids, while its effect on Byzantium was more gradual, taking nearly eight centuries to ultimately lead to the fall of Constantinople in 1453.
El-Hawary went on to discuss the subsequent conflicts between the Ottoman Empire, the successor to the Byzantine Empire, and the Shia Safavid dynasty in Persia. He highlighted the role of the Levant, Egypt, and Yemen as key battlegrounds in these struggles. El-Hawary also noted that the sectarian differences between the Sunni Ottoman Empire and the Shia Safavid dynasty played a significant role in shaping the region's history.
The writer concluded by drawing parallels between the historical conflicts in the region and contemporary tensions. He suggested that the modern-day rivalry between Iran and the broader Western alliance, including NATO, the US, and Israel, has its roots in this complex history. El-Hawary also noted that some Arab states are playing a role similar to that of the Ghassanids, a ancient Arab kingdom that allied with the Byzantine Empire.
El-Hawary's article provides a nuanced perspective on the region's history, highlighting the deep-seated roots of conflict and the complex interplay of sectarian, regional, and global forces. His analysis underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of the region's history in order to navigate its complexities and challenges.
Key points
- The region has a long history of conflict dating back to ancient civilizations
- The struggle for dominance in the region has involved various empires and dynasties, including Persia, Rome, Byzantium, and the Ottoman Empire
- Sectarian differences have played a significant role in shaping the region's history and continue to influence contemporary tensions
