Amnesty International calls for protection of energy infrastructure amid Middle East conflict
Original framing: “Middle East: All parties to the conflict must refrain from unlawful attacks on energy infrastructure” — Amnesty International
Historically, energy has been a key tool of imperial control and conflict. From the oil wars of the 20th century to the current targeting of infrastructure, patterns of resource-based domination persist, often under the guise of national security.
The targeting of energy infrastructure in the Middle East is not an isolated incident but a symptom of deeper systemic issues rooted in historical patterns of resource-based conflict, colonial legacies, and the militarization of energy.
Indigenous and local knowledge systems offer alternative models of energy stewardship that prioritize sustainability and community resilience. Scientific and environmental assessments reveal the long-term consequences of such attacks, while cross-cultural perspectives highlight the spiritual and communal dimensions of energy. To move forward, international law must evolve to protect infrastructure as a human right, and marginalized voices must be included in both conflict resolution and energy policy. Future scenarios suggest that without systemic change, energy will remain a weapon of war rather than a tool for peace.