E.M. Primakov, Corresponding Member of the USSR Academy of Sciences, analyzes the reasons that gave rise to the Middle East conflict - one of the most dangerous international conflicts of our time. Wide historical material traces the confrontation between Israel, pursuing an expansionist policy, and neighboring Arab states, as well as the Palestinian resistance movement. US Middle East policy is analyzed. It considers, in particular, how the energy crisis affects the development of events in the Middle East, affects the policy of the United States and its Western partners in the area.