The Middle East: A Simple Place

The Middle East and YOU Islamist Terrorism Why do thousands of middle eastern Muslims (mostly Arabs) want to kill Americans wherever/whenever they can? Iraq and conflict with the U.S.- Why care? Saddam Hussein vs three U.S. Presidents? Kassem vs two U.S. Presidents? Arab-Israeli Conflict What is going on and why is the U.S. so involved in helping Israel? Oil, the U.S. and the growing world economy? Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

History and Why We (U.S.) are involved in the Middle East Advent of Islam & the community of Muslims Ups and Downs of Arab Civilization and Islamic Empires European colonial involvement The rise of oil in economic and military activity Oil In the Persian Gulf and wider middle east The Jewish Holocaust and historic ties to Palestine U.S. Cold War involvement

How will we examine all of this? Look at the history and see what happened from 600 AD to now, focusing on 20th century Acquaint you with people, culture and religion of the middle east (mainly Arabs and Islam) Look at current politics & events in the region Share our special knowledge of the region Make connections between all of this and what is going on now

Some Key Topics: Roots and nature of Arab Culture The Religion of Islam: What it is and how it began Role as a community Arab & Islamic Empire: Conquests: 7th Century expansion from one small town to a three continent empire Fragmentation, Christian Crusades, Mongol Invasion European Nations and the Ottoman Empire European (esp British) supremacy over Middle East Growth of Arab nationalism

Some Key Topics (continued): Oil discoveries and growing use in industrial west Growth of Jewish Zionism Conflict over Palestine Cold War & Conflicts with Local Nationalist Movements Conflict in the Gulf Shii vs Sunni Islam Secular vs radical Islam Arab vs Persian End of Cold War and rise of Islamist Terrorism Look at current politics & events in the region

Matters of Concern In the study of history “truth” can be a matter of perspective. Historians do not always agree We will be looking at some very emotional issues Recognize the emotion in yourself and others Try to be objective and not let our perceptions be obscured Be tolerant of other views, cultures and religions We all have our misconceptions of the middle east Be patient with generalizations made in a history course that covers 1400 years in 11 weeks If we miss an area you feel is important, SPEAK UP!