Conflict: Middle East Political Simulator

Conflict: Middle East Political Simulator is a strategy game created by PSI Software. It was published by Virgin Mastertronic in 1990 for PC, Amiga, and Atari ST.

In this original turn-based simulation, set in 1997 (seven years in the future at the time), game designer David Eastman imagines that the Israeli prime minister is killed and that the player takes his place. As you might know, prime minister Yitzhak Rabin was actually assassinated in 1995, so somehow, the game predicted the future.

As the new pm, you must manage the complex situation with your neighbors: Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, etc. As in the real world, you have a powerful friend, the U.S., if you need help. You will need it because resources and budgets are limited, so your life won't be easy.

Interestingly, this game gives you a chance to "solve" the Middle East situation peacefully, without wars, using diplomacy. But war, coups, and other less peaceful strategies are possible. Will you do better than real politicians?

Not everyone will like this mix of real politics and video games, but I think this game can teach you something about the Middle East situation. It's worth trying if you like the genre.