A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS IN PROVIDING HUMANITARIAN AID: EXAMINING THE CONFLICT DYNAMICS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Abstract

There is no letup to conflicts, political instability and humanitarian crises affecting the Middle East and therefore international intervention is urgent. The scope of this study critically evaluates the work of international organizations ranging from the United Nations (UN), Red Cross (RC), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), World Food Programme (WFP), International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) in aid provision and conflict resolution within conflict prone countries as in Syria, Yemen, Palestine and Iraq. The study is conducted using qualitative research methodology, inductive approach and a case study strategy. It analyses secondary data, which consists of organizational reports, academic literature, and policy documents, in order to identify recurring challenges and best practices. The study is based on conflict transformation theory and peace building frameworks as contextualizing the operational realities of humanitarian interventions. Additionally, findings show that, while international organizations provide crucial assistance against immediate humanitarian suffering, their activities are constrained by political interference, sectarian conditions, security threats and a lack of funding. Politicization of aid weakens the neutrality on which a humanitarian operation relies and makes integrated emergency relief and long term peace building strategies weaker. Finally, the study emphasizes the need to adopt conflict sensitive humanitarian approaches, as well as to enhance local communities’ capacity in order for sustainable peace in the Middle East to be achieved. The research provides essential knowledge for policy makers, humanitarian actors, and scholars by urging for multifaceted, context specific strategies that resolve existent needs and prevent causes of conflict. Its focus is on the importance of aligning aid to broader socio-political reconstruction for the long-term peace and stability in the region.