Settlement of Disputes in the Middle East: Political and Legal Aspects

The paper posits that the absence of effective mechanisms for peaceful conflict resolution in the Middle East can be attributed to the prevailing geopolitical dynamics. A comprehensive understanding of these dynamics is imperative for a nuanced analysis of the application of international law in the region. The concept of regional order has been employed as a theoretical framework to address these dynamics, thereby facilitating the identification of two salient elements in the contemporary configuration of this order in the Middle East: Israels right to self-defence and the Sunni-Shia divide. The objectives of this regional order are the normalisation of relations with Israel and its integration into the regional landscape. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza provides a useful lens through which to reflect upon an alternative conceptualisation of the regional order. Russia and Chinas stance, in contrast to that of the United States, in favour of a multilateral approach would be beneficial for the regional application of international law. This could be based on Muslim law, which provides mechanisms for resolving disputes. The development of these mechanisms and Muslim law should be regarded as a vital component in the transformation of the regional order, with the aim of reducing tensions and promoting the rule of international law.