The Positive And Negative Effects Of Conflict In The Middle East

Conflict impacts individuals in altering and unique ways. We all have our own perceptions of right and wrong as well as differing reactions to our struggles. The way we deal with conflict reveals much about who we are, our intentions change throughout time which means the outcomes are dependent on the individuals desires. However, conflict can leave its mark on the human spirit, it can result in a weakening which makes them victim to their own mental state. The changes are not always negative however, the sight of battles can spark the good in someone who wishes to make a positive change because of their experiences. In times of conflict, our mindset can change, human instinct kicks in as whatever is needed for survival becomes necessary.

People

The Americans had both positive and negative effects on the Middle East during this time of war. One act that was beneficial to the Shiites was the assassination of Saddam Hussein by the Americans. His reign in Iraq meant that the local Shiites were not able to go on pilgrimage due to it being “Outlawed under Saddam”. Once the Americans had dealt with Hussein, part of life which had been restricted from the Shiites had returned. The taste of pilgrimage was open to all Shiites which pleases many of them, as well as restoring a sense of freedom and rights amongst the group. Conflict allows for the righteous to do what’s necessary to help those in need. Oskar Schindler was one who’s’ experiences with conflict opened up his perspective to the true distinguishing meaning of right and wrong. At the beginning of World War 2 the German had obtained a factory which he used to harbour just over 1700 Jewish workers. Schindler saw this as a business opportunity with possible profit in the future, but as World War 2 progressed and concentration camps were killing thousands of Jews every day. Schindler began to worry less about the money and more about the lives of his workers. Money became less important as he did everything in his power to stop them from being sent away to be killed. Paying off Germans with large sums of cash and black market items, Schindler was able to save 1,200 lives by the end of World War

In times of desperate need, the individuals we are and the upbringings that we had can go out the window if it is necessary for our continued existence. Under times of pressure, what’s essential may not always be what is right and through the torturous acts carried out by the Americans in Abu Ghirab can be described as doing what is needed for “the greater good”. In a time of terrorism and threat to the lives of many, those with information were captured and taken to institutions where vile acts of cruelty against humans were carried out by other humans themselves. The information that was trying to be extracted had to do with future terrorist plots, in a case like this humiliating and inhumane acts were performed in order to obtain this information. It is shown how conflict changes people and this is also reflected in William Golding’s allegorical novel “The Lord of the Flies”. The shift in human nature is closely shown through Jack in this novel. Representing humans need for surviving, Jack transforms into a murderous and violent boy due to the isolation and desire for power. In the beginning he finds it hard to kill a pig, but over time finds it easy to hunt with intention of killing Ralph. Jack’s drive to dominate led him to set fire to the whole island to flush out Ralph. There was no doubt in his mind about his need to achieve his own selfish ends; he was not stricken by conscience or concern for others.