The Middle East has always been a region of immense potential. Rich in culture, history, and resources. But why does it seem like progress is constantly disrupted? Why do challenges persist despite decades of external involvement? 

In my opinion, much of what we see today is the direct result of outside forces shaping the region for their own interests rather than allowing it to develop on its own terms.

I can’t help but wonder: what if things had gone differently? What if local leaders had been given the space to build strong, self-sufficient nations without interference? The reality is, time and again, foreign powers have stepped in, often under the guise of stability, only to leave behind systems that were more dependent than independent.

Throughout history, we’ve seen leaders in the Middle East try to assert control over their own economies and resources, only to be met with strong resistance from global powers. It’s no secret that certain governments were supported while others were undermined, not based on their effectiveness but on how well they aligned with outside interests.

Think about it. How do you build a thriving country when every step toward independence is met with opposition? When national industries are taken over, when political movements are suppressed, and when strategic interests outweigh the well-being of local populations, it’s no surprise that progress remains uneven. In my view, this cycle of interference has done more harm than good, creating fragile systems that struggle to stand on their own.

Who Benefits?

Let’s talk about economics. The Middle East is home to some of the world’s most valuable resources, yet economic inequality remains a massive issue. How did that happen? Well, when key industries were shaped by external forces rather than local needs, it created a system where wealth flowed outward instead of staying within.

Policies were put in place decades ago that still impact economic structures now. The focus on maintaining relationships with powerful allies meant that real economic reform took a backseat. And in my opinion, the biggest loss wasn’t financial. It was the loss of opportunity. Nations that could have thrived were instead forced into cycles of dependency, making it even harder to create lasting change.

The shifting alliances in the Middle East have always fascinated me. Over the years, different groups have been propped up, funded, and supported—only for those same groups to be abandoned when priorities changed.

I often think about how different things might have been if the focus had been on long-term cooperation rather than short-term strategic gains. Instead of using influence to control, what if it had been used to empower?