West Asia, the hub of Islamic world, appears to be in the vortex of an endless turmoil. Four factors are at the basis of the crisis: the US-Russian rivalry, US-Israel interests, Saudi-Iran conflict and undercurrents of Sunni-Shia division. The situation is so complicated that no discernible solution appears to be possible in foreseeable future.
Meanwhile, bloodshed, death of innocent civilians, widespread destruction of properties, loss of resources, and economic and social loss of civilizational proportions reign supreme.
The sudden appearance of Islamic State (IS), previously called ISIS, on the bloodied scene has further complicated the situation. The emergence of IS has parallels with that of Taliban in Afghanistan. The situation prevailing in West Asia provided fertile ground for birth and development of IS. A huge part of blame for emergence of IS can be laid down on the wrong policies of US administration and their overt and covert support to dictators and autocrats in the region.
Three years back the US thought of taking action against Bashar Al Asad regime in Syria, but stopped because of Israeli interests. A destabilised Syria is in the interest of Israel, the US pointsman in the West Asia. Further, the US learnt a hard lesson after its intervention in Afghanistan and Iraq. Now it has opted for no direct interference but to pursue its interest by supporting allies. In this case, it will not have to burn its fingers, and can save huge military expenditure.
It is an unfortunate fact, however denied, that a section of US administration is interested in continued conflict in the Islamic world so that the weapons manufacturers lobby in the US may continue to be benefited. So the policy is continued putting of oil in the raging fire.
It does not mean that the Muslim rulers and kings are blameless. It is they, and their vested interests, that prevent introduction of democracy in the Arab world. Had there been democracy, freedom of expression and free and transparent elections, the things would not have come to this deplorable condition. The panacea for all the conflicts, bloodshed and wars lies in return to Islamic roots, nurturing of democracy and sharing of power with the people. The situation is so hopeless that it may take long to reverse the trend. It is high time the leaders of the Muslim world put their heads together and devise a plan to restore normalcy and avoid complete destruction.