Modern Middle East Colonizers

Comparative use

Use these cases to test whether a definition is being applied consistently, not to acquit or condemn Zionism by analogy. The Israel-specific terminology and structural analysis is in Colonizers.

🇹🇷 Turkey

1. Northern Cyprus

• Event: Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 following a Greek-backed coup.
• Result: Turkey occupied the northern third of the island.
• Current Status:
  • The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was declared in 1983.
  • Recognized only by Turkey.
  • Considered an illegal occupation by the UN and most of the international community.
• Troop Presence: Estimated 30,000–40,000 Turkish troops remain.

2. Influence in Northern Syria

• Turkey has conducted several military operations in northern Syria, targeting Kurdish groups like the YPG (which it views as terrorist-linked).
• Controls swaths of Syrian territory through Operation Euphrates Shield, Operation Olive Branch, and Operation Peace Spring.
• Set up local councils and uses the Turkish lira, education, and infrastructure—a form of de facto control.

3. Influence in Northern Iraq

• Conducts regular military operations against the PKK in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
• Maintains military bases in Iraqi territory without Baghdad’s explicit approval.

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🇮🇷 Iran

Iran does not occupy territory in a traditional colonial sense, but it wields powerful influence through proxy forces in several countries:

1. Lebanon – Hezbollah

• Hezbollah is a Shi’a political and militant organization in Lebanon, founded with Iranian support in the 1980s.
• Iran provides funding, training, and weapons.
• Hezbollah has been described by analysts as a state within a state and an extension of Iranian foreign policy in Lebanon.
• Many countries, including the U.S., Germany, and Arab League states, designate Hezbollah (or at least its military wing) as a terrorist organization.

2. Iraq – Shi’a Militias

• Iran supports multiple Shi’a militias in Iraq under the umbrella of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF).
• Groups like Kata’ib Hezbollah, Badr Organization, and Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq receive direct support from Iran’s IRGC-Quds Force.
• Iran exercises significant political and military influence over Iraqi affairs.

3. Syria – Assad Regime

• Iran has sent military advisors, weapons, and IRGC troops to support Bashar al-Assad during the Syrian civil war.
• Maintains bases and proxy militias (e.g., Liwa Fatemiyoun).
• Seeks to build a “land corridor” from Iran to Lebanon via Syria and Iraq.

4. Yemen – Houthi Rebels

• Iran backs the Houthi movement in Yemen with weapons and military training.
• Though the link is less direct than with Hezbollah, Iran uses this relationship to challenge Saudi and Emirati influence.

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Other Middle Eastern States

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia

• Yemen: Military intervention since 2015 alongside a coalition, aiming to restore the internationally recognized government and combat Iranian-backed Houthis.
• Nature: More of a military intervention than colonization, but it has created significant geopolitical influence.

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates

• South Yemen: Has supported and built local forces (e.g., Security Belt forces) and has been accused of running unofficial prisons.
• Also accused of attempting to shape political dynamics in Yemen for long-term strategic control, especially over ports like Aden and Socotra.

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Summary Table

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