Proxies and levers: The Middle East conundrum

 The Middle East’s conflicts are analyzed through the lens of ‘proxies and levers,’ where state actors use non-state groups to project power and achieve strategic goals. This approach, while avoiding direct military costs, often results in prolonged violence, instability, and humanitarian crises, complicating peace efforts in the region. The Middle East’s conflicts are analyzed through the lens of ‘proxies and levers,’ where state actors use non-state groups to project power and achieve strategic goals. This approach, while avoiding direct military costs, often results in prolonged violence, instability, and humanitarian crises, complicating peace efforts in the region.