The Dangers of Nations Backing Terror Groups in Middle East Geopolitics

The geopolitics of the Middle East is a labyrinth of alliances, rivalries, and calculated strategies. However, it is time to confront the immorality and disastrous consequences of nations supporting terrorist groups for their own agendas. Such actions betray the principles of peace and stability, fueling cycles of violence that destabilize entire regions.

Israel has been accused of supporting groups like the PKK, directly or indirectly, without fully grappling with the historical and ideological complexities these organizations represent. The PKK, classified as a terrorist group by countries such as the United States, is rooted in Kurdish Marxism and has a long history of violent confrontation with Turkey. Supporting such entities- whether for tactical reasons or as a counterbalance to perceived threats- ignores their potential to destabilize the region further and perpetuate cycles of conflict.

The United States has a troubling history of using terrorist groups as proxies to counter adversaries. A glaring example is its support for the Mujahideen during the Cold War to weaken the Soviet Union in Afghanistan- a decision that contributed to the rise of Al-Qaeda and the Taliban. More recently, U.S. backing for groups like the PKK in Syria, ostensibly to fight terrorism, only exacerbates regional instability and highlights the perils of short-sighted foreign policies. This approach often strengthens extremist factions while leaving behind a legacy of chaos.

Iran’s state media, through figures like Mahdi Khanalizadeh, Director of Press TV, has openly advocated for alliances with the United States against Syrian revolutionaries, citing previous collaborations in Iraq with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Such proposals underscore the opportunistic nature of geopolitics, where alliances are formed and discarded with little regard for their long-term implications. When nations collaborate with groups that undermine peace and security, they compromise their moral standing and risk fostering greater chaos.

Both Israel and the United States must urgently reassess their policies of supporting militias and terrorist groups. Pursuing short-term tactical advantages at the expense of ethical considerations is not only irresponsible but also self-defeating. Nations must recognize that the history, ideologies, and goals of such groups often make them unsuitable partners. Aligning with these groups undermines the very principles of peace and stability that they claim to champion.

The Middle East needs a transformative approach to geopolitics- one rooted in transparency, accountability, and ethics. Support for any group must be contingent upon clear criteria: Does this alliance contribute to long-term peace? Does it uphold international law? And does it avoid empowering entities with histories of violence and extremism? By continuing to support terrorist groups for strategic gains, nations not only sow seeds of future conflict but also betray their responsibility to the global community.

The practice of supporting terrorist groups for geopolitical advantage deserves unequivocal condemnation. It is a reckless and unethical strategy that destabilizes regions, enables extremism, and perpetuates cycles of suffering. Nations that engage in such behavior must be held accountable for prioritizing their interests over global peace and security. Only by abandoning these destructive policies can the Middle East, and the world at large, hope for a more stable and peaceful future.

Mahdi Khanalizadeh, Director of Irans Press TV: