5 Great Causes in the Middle East

Fighting and suffering is spreading across the Middle East. Iran’s so called ‘Axis of Resistance’ continues to provoke and promote acts of evil. Even with the fall of Bashar al Assad’s regime in Syria, Iran’s agenda to wipe out Israel remains. Iran had invested heavily for more than a decade in building influence and presence in Syria – a strategically important location, giving Iran easy access westward towards Israel.

The sudden fall of Damascus on 8 December (led by Syrian opposition group Southern Operations Room) has deprived the Iranian regime from what was a well-established route for transporting arms and other resources to her various proxies.

Syria is not Iran’s only challenge. Iran’s proxies Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Hezbollah in Lebanon are also significantly weakened. The fighting of recent months and the victories Israel has won have begun to deprive Iran of important strategic networks.

So has Iran lost? By no means. And what should we do as praying and mission-minded Christians in the face of these turning events?

What is the Axis of Resistance?

The Axis of Resistance is an informal military network of militant groups that are supported by Iran. They include:

• Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC): Iran
• Hezbollah: Lebanon
• (up until December 2024) Syrian armed forces: Syria
• Hamas: Gaza Strip and the West Bank
• Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ): Gaza Strip and the West Bank
• Various militias: Iraq
• Houthi: Yemen

It is thought the term ‘Axis of Resistance’ is a regional response to the term Former US President George W. Bush used in reference to Iraq, under Saddam Hussein, Iran and North Korea, when he labelled their joint network as the ‘Axis of Evil’.

The Axis of Resistance is aligned in its shared objective of opposing Israel and Saudi Arabia, as well as the United States – primarily accused of interfering with the balance of power in the region. They each operate independently with certain self-interests but their common cause brings powerful unity as well as the sharing of resources – including training and the procurement of arms. Iran plays a central and strategic role.

Read accounts from Iranians revealing the physical and mental devastation they face today

How Can I Make a Difference in the Middle East?

There are many wonderful organizations making significant impact right across the region. Take a moment, get a map, get searching online, and see where your heart leads. Where would the Lord have you sow your seed?

Here are just five to get you started

1. Transform Iran: Iran
2. Heart for Lebanon: Lebanon
3. EPDC Syria: Syria
4. Christian Mission to Gaza: Gaza Strip and the West Bank
5. Impact Middle East: Iraq (as well as Egypt, Jordan and Palestine)

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.”
Philippians 1:3-4

Learn how Transform Iran is impacting the region with the love and power of Christ