The Middle East In Transition Chapter 27

THEMES Interest of Arab nations to end western domination. Middle Eastern (ME) governments taking a strong role in economic development Oil wealth divided in the M.E. between rich and poor nations Effects of rapid urbanization and population growth. Iran/Egypt/Turkeys routes toward modernization

Arab Nationalism Following World War II Newly independent ME countries Reminded of great Arab Empires that had ruled the ME in the past.

Gamal Abdel Nasser Restore Egyptian Nationalism Nationalize Suez Canal Symbolically ended European imperialism in the Middle East

Pan – Arabism Unite ALL Arabs under common language and culture. Opposition to western culture. –The Arab League of 1945

The Arab League GOAL: “draw closer the relations between member States and co-ordinate collaboration between them, to safeguard their independence and sovereignty, and to consider in a general way the affairs and interests of the Arab countries.”

The Arab League Why create it? –A unified Arab state would be a major world power. –Strong enough to end western domination. QUESTIONS: –What are the benefits to Arab countries for creating the Arab League? –What are disadvantages of creating an Arab League? (think in terms of the individual Arab state) –Given the goal of the Arab League, do you believe the Arab League could achieve its goal? Support your answer

Obstacles to Unity State Nationalism –Loyalty to state over union Each state pursues its own goals, not those of the union. –Diverse religious and ethnic groups opposed the union. –No geographic unity –Settlements scattered throughout –Economic gaps between rich and poor ME counties. Created rivalries

Forms of Government Following World War II: –Often “strongman rule” Usually one identifiable leader with powerful influence over most governmental operations. Dictators –Strong central government Nasser

Forms of Government Most are Republics Exceptions: Saudi Arabia –King has absolute power Jordan –Constitutional monarchy –Elected parliament (king holds most power) Abdul Aziz

Turkey & Israel Multiparty States Free elections More political freedoms –Certain groups are denied rights

Islamic Law Islam: –Past – used to be the religion and the basis for government. –Koran –Highest authority for Shariah What is the highest authority in the United States? –Shariah – sacred law of Islam

Islamic Law Shariah Governs all aspects of Muslim life. –Sets rules for behavior in the following realms: Political Social Economic

Critical Thinking Consider if the United States was governed by the laws of the Koran/Bible/or Torah. Choose one: How would the laws of the United States be different? –How would life in the United States be different in the following realms: Political Social Economic

Challenges to Stability Variety of Sources: –Ethnic groups –Population growth and urbanization Place strains on government –Widespread illiteracy; poverty Conflict in Lebanon CIVIL WAR –A conflict over ethnic/religious factions –Christian majority, Muslim minority. Christians maintained control of key seats in government while in majority, but as the Muslim population grew, Christians did not want to peacefully surrender their power in government.

Islamic Fundamentalism Reasons behind fundamentalism: Middle East –Adopting western technology Led to: –Adoption of elements of western culture –Replaced Islamic Law with law following western principals –Western music/schools/clothing/food –Some stopped veiling their faces

Islamic Fundamentalism Demanded a return to traditional Islamic values, customs, and traditions as specified in the Koran. Shariah must be the basis of law. Authority restored to religious leaders. Strict separation of men and women in public.

REVIEW Identify: –Pan-Arabism –Shariah –Islamic Fundamentalism Respond: How were both Arab nationalism and Islamic fundamentalism a response to western domination? What are some causes of instability in the Middle East? What were obstacles to unity under the Arab League?

Changing Economic and Social Patterns

Economic Independence Independence from European domination –Manufacturing –Oil All controlled by Europe/West

Arab Socialism Socialism –Government takes control of industry –Used by many Middle Eastern countries to take control of key industries. Still relied heavily on west for technology and know-how.

Population Change Rapid population growth Problems: Limited farmland Limited water Egypt –Tripled since 1962 –17 million  58 Million (1993)

Developing Agriculture Goal: Increase water supply Tools: Irrigation Dams Desalinization –Converting sea water to fresh water for drinking Ex. Aswan high Dam in Egypt

The Role of Oil Middle East 60% of the world’s oil reserves Persian Gulf –Rich in oil Kuwait Iraq Iran Saudi Arabia Libya

Oil OPEC Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries Original members: –Iran –Iraq –Saudi Arabia –Kuwait –Venezuela

OPEC What does it do? –Sets oil prices –Decides how much oil to produce –Cost of a Barrel of Oil: –$2 1960’s –$ ’s –$ ’s –$150 (July 2008) –$41 Today

OPEC Prices: –Effect the world economy –Can be used as a political weapon Israel ( 1973 )

OPEC

Two Wars in the Persian Gulf Iran – Iraq War ( ) Sadam Hussein (Sunni) invaded Iran Iran supported Iraqi Shiites Key factor : Oil –Ended by UN Cease-fire with neither side achieving its goals U.S. Response: Sent in warships to the gulf to protect oil tankers

Persian Gulf War Iraq (1991) In debt from war with Iran Invades Kuwait –Why? Claimed it belonged to Iraq Rich oil fields to pay off debt United Nations, led by the United States, pushed Iraqi forces out of Kuwait.

ESSAY Explain the strategic significance of the Middle East. Consider the following in your essay: –Natural resources –Geographic location –Transportation –Religion