“In the Middle East, the conflict today is a matter of generations and not of cultures,” quote by Shimon Peres, a prominent Israeli politician.

The Middle East is one of the most conflict-prone regions in the entire world. According to the Cato Institute: Endless War in the Middle East, there are many factors that lead to this horrendous dispute. Characterized by authoritarian regimes, oil-dependent economies, and religion, poverty, greed, and local interactions are significant elements to this generational discord; all of which can be compared to and resolved through two ancient philosophies; Buddhism and Daoism.

First, it is crucial to understand the two philosophies, starting with Buddhism. Originating around the 5th century B.C.E, one of the major principles that Buddhists believe in is that human life is a cycle of suffering and rebirth, however, if one reaches a state of enlightenment, or nirvana, they could escape this cycle forever. This philosophy can be connected to two major factors of the prevalent Middle East conflict; poverty and greed. 

These two components are both major issues in the region and can be noted as crucial predictors of conflict. They compare to Buddhism in the sense that before living the life of an ascetic, Prince Siddhartha, the founder of Buddhism, was living with luxuries, shielded from the world of poverty and greed. However, upon leaving his palace and seeing the harsh reality of the world, such as extreme struggles including death and old age, he changed his entire manner of life. Despite this unfortunate comparison, Buddhism can also assist the dispute at hand. 

As the teachings of Buddhism claim, “Those who followed the Buddhsist path most fully could expect to achieve enlightenment, or nirvana, a virtually indescribable state in which individual identity would be “extinguished” along with greed, hatred, and delusion.” 

Reaching this state of nirvana will provide one with the perfect knowledge and the basic antidote for ignorance and suffering, which will prevent nations from continuing any current or initiating future dispute, essentially helping millions all over. 

Lastly, in my opinion, Daoism, the final philosophy, which opposes the idea of war and advocates for passivity, has the greatest impact on this issue. Traced to the mythical Laozi, the major teaching of Daoism is that all living creatures ought to live peacefully and harmoniously with nature and the universe. Additionally, another main idea of Daoism is the belief in balancing forces, known as yin and yang. Now, this philosophy can also be connected to the Middle Eastern conflict.

Local interactions, which can be accounted as civil war in the region, is a major issue and component to the feud. There have been multiple reports of different countries in the territory fighting each other for authoritative rule, resources, money, and, in general, power. This relates to Daoism because it is the nature around the region that is heavily affecting the environment. Although this certain relation represents a negative perspective, the philosophy as a whole can assist the conflict. 

The Daoist idea of harmonizing with the universe through the concept of wu wei, as well as, yin and yang, will allow these countries to find a state of peace and put an end to the war.

Laozi teaches us that governments should “conduct affairs on the principle of take-no-action.” 

Through the fact that war is unnecessary and against our harmonious nature, wu wei can help in finding a halt to this conflict by aligning individuals with the natural cycles of our universe. Instead of carrying on with one’s agenda, a nation will now sit back and let the flow of the Dao, the way of the universe, direct their lives and choices. 

In addition, Laozi illustrated an extremely significant aspect of Daoism, “[..] the ancient concepts of yin and yang, which expressed a belief in the unity of opposites.”

Yin and yang will allow opposing sides of the conflict to come together, put an end to any disagreement and, undeniably, reach a period of unification.

In conclusion, I addressed two diverse philosophies that compare to and aid the horrific Middle Eastern conflict. Instead of thinking on how we can end this never ending war through useless military strategies and tactics, we should think back over centuries ago to these ancient philosophies that prospered in times unimaginable to us today. 

Because as stated by the American actor, Mandy Patinkin, “Peace in the Middle East isn’t going to be created by another war or violent act on the other side.”