Collapse of Pan-Arab Nationalism and rise of political Islam in Middle East and North Africa

The roots of Pan-Arab Nationalism have gained ground in the aftermath of the disintegration of the Ottoman Empire. 

By Prathmesh Rai

A report published in a prominent US daily in 2017 reflected upon the tireless efforts of the United States to bring peace in the Middle East; including the initiatives taken by the Trump Administration in its initial days. A plethora of initiatives have been taken but peace still remains as distant as it has been in the past. In fact, five years later, the situation has changed from bad to worse as the infighting has further deepened.

The once-powerful Pan-Arab Nationalism which emerged in the aftermath of the creation of Israel has fallen due to the exponential rise and widespread adoption of political Islam. Once strong and united, West Asia disintegrated due to power tussle and extremist ideologies leading to regional insecurity and uncertainty with no signs of peace in the region.