Refugees in the MENA Region: What Geopolitical Consequences?

Economic chaos, corruption and outright conflict in North Africa and the Middle East have triggered a new wave of refugees – some of whom travel and seek shelter as far away as Australia. More than 1.5 million may have fled just Syria, with another 2.5 million Syrians thought to be displaced inside the country. Failure to address the latest refugee crisis could present serious long-term security challenges. “These movements play into and may compound incipient political tensions between and within MENA states,” explains Barah Mikail, researcher at a Madrid thinktank. “Intra-regional flows risk further stirring up sectarian tensions and disturbing the fragile political alliances that exist among MENA powers.” Asylum applications number in a few thousands, and countries impose long delays and restrictions, discriminating based on religious preferences or regional gripes. Large refugee populations can destabilize host countries, especially those with troubled economies, or link with radicals. Mikail concludes that “refugee flows will cause new instability,” and calls for comprehensive approach that emphasizes pragmatism, conflict resolution and security. – YaleGlobal