How_Oil_Interests_Fractured_the_Middle_East

This collection of sources examines the complex history of geopolitical instability in the Middle East, primarily through the lens of American foreign policy and regional power struggles. The narrative traces the evolution of U.S. involvement, beginning with a 1930s search for oil that eventually morphed into a broader strategy to counter Soviet influence and secure regional alliances. Key historical flashpoints are highlighted, including the Iran-Iraq War and the subsequent U.S. invasion of Iraq, which the text argues was justified by manipulated intelligence regarding weapons of mass destruction. Additionally, the materials explain the origins and rise of non-state actors like Al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, detailing how they emerged from local grievances to become significant regional threats. The sources also analyze the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, specifically critiquing strategies of division that have historically undermined long-term security. Ultimately, the text illustrates how colonial-era borders and shifting international interests continue to drive modern conflict across the region.