Post-Election Middle East Political Dynamics

The political dynamics of the Middle East after the election experienced significant changes which were influenced by various internal and external factors. Countries in this region, such as Türkiye, Iran, Egypt and Iraq, are showing political developments that reflect the complexity of the regional situation. In Türkiye, presidential and parliamentary elections have strengthened Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s power. With the results of this election, Erdoğan is trying to assert the dominance of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) amidst challenges from the opposition. A more aggressive foreign policy, including relations with various Arab countries, allowed Türkiye to expand its influence in the region, especially in the context of the conflicts in Syria and Libya. In Iran, the election results that took place last year reflected conservative dominance. The new leaders focused on dealing with the economic crisis and strengthening Iran’s position in negotiations over the nuclear program. A tough stance toward the West, coupled with anti-Israel rhetoric, became part of his strategy to maintain domestic stability while increasing influence in Iraq and Lebanon. Egypt, after the recent presidential elections, showed that Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is still in control. However, challenges emerged from the opposition which began to rise. Social and economic issues, including unemployment and rising inflation, are driving changes in domestic political dynamics, sparking protests in various cities. In Iraq, post-election, tensions between armed groups and the government continue to rise, highlighting the impact of political fragmentation. The formation of a new government cannot be avoided by conflict between factions. Iran’s role, with financial and military support to its allies in Iraq, further complicates the political landscape in the country. Regional dynamics are also influenced by relations between the Gulf countries and Israel. The normalization of relations sparked by the Abraham Accords brought hope for stability, but also increased tensions with groups that rejected this normalization. Rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran has become increasingly entrenched, hindering collaborative efforts to resolve various crises. In Yemen, despite calls for a ceasefire after years of conflict, the ongoing elections signal that peace is still far from reach. Fighting between the internationally recognized government and the Houthis continues. This trend shows that post-election, Middle East political dynamics remain volatile, shaped by complex interactions between local actors and global influences. An in-depth exploration of these issues is essential to understanding the future direction of politics in this strategic region.