The Middle East Regents Review

Geography of the Middle East The Middle East is comprised of parts of three different continents: Europe, Asia, and Africa. The region has been called, “the Crossroads of the world,” and “SWASIA.”

Geography of the Middle East The most valuable resource in the Middle East for the last 50-60 years has been oil. OPEC – Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

Society of the Middle East Monotheistic Religions: Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Scattering of Jews, minority group due to monotheism: Diaspora Diaspora is the idea that Jews have been expelled from their homeland and scattered throughout the world, where they have been persecuted throughout history.

History of the Middle East Early Civilizations: - Tigris-Euphrates River Valley or Mesopotamia; Current day Iraq (Bagdhad) - Also referred to as the “fertile crescent.” - The Nile River Valley Civilization in Egypt

The Crusades 1095-1291 C.E. Attempts by Europeans to take over Jerusalem and other Christian Holy Sites from the Muslims. Christians vs. Muslims over the Holy Land

The Crusades Muslims win to a Golden Age and pay respect to the Christians. Cultural Diffusion occurred between the Muslims and Christians during the crusades. There was an awakening from the Dark Ages in Europe.

Zionism Movement to give Jews a homeland in the Middle East. Leader – David Ben-Gurion

Creation of Israel In 1948, the UN divides Palestine to create Israel for Jews. Palestinian Muslims and other nations angry. PLO created to regain land. (Palestine Liberation Organization) Led by Yasser Arafat.

Turkey Modernize, westernize, Europeanize - Kemel Ataturk. Ataturk is given title, “Father of Turkey”

Suez Canal Dispute between Egypt and Israel over the ownership of the Suez Canal.

Islamic Fundamentalism Strict, radical belief in Islam. Hatred for freedom and “the west” Use of terrorism against non-Muslims worldwide. Examples: -Hostage Crisis in Iran -Taliban in Afghanistan -Al-Qaeda today

IRAQ Persian Gulf War to remove Iraq from Kuwait. Also known as Operation Desert Storm. It occurred in 1991 and lasted 6 weeks. Second Iraq war to remove Saddam Hussein from power. Civil war today between Sunni Muslims, Shi’ite Muslims, and Kurds for control of Iraq. Meanwhile, the U.S. trying to restore stabilityl.