Bangladesh, July 30 -- Few regions illustrate the contradictions of international politics more vividly than the Middle East. It possesses nearly half of the world's proven oil reserves, controls strategic maritime corridors linking Europe, Asia and Africa, and serves as a vital hub for global trade, investment and energy security.Geographic Reference

It is also a region where wars, proxy conflicts and humanitarian crises have become distressingly frequent.

This paradox raises a fundamental question. If the United States, China, Russia, India and other major powers have invested billions of dollars and depend heavily on the region's stability, why have they been unable-or, in some cases, unwilling-to prevent recurring conflicts?

The a...