Political Geography of SW Asia SSWG3 Evaluate how cooperation and conflict among people influence the division and control of the earth’s surface.

The Arabian Peninsula

Government in the Arabian Peninsula Theocratic – religious leaders control gov’t Gov’t now based on Shari’ah Law – Islamic law system Government in the Arabian Peninsula

The Eastern Mediterranean

Refugees & Civil Wars 1948 War = large number of refugees Civil wars in Turkey & Lebanon Arab Spring (2011) – antigovernment uprising leading to civil war in Syria Large number of refugees Refugees & Civil Wars

The Northeast

Clashes Over Land Refugees fleeing oppression Ex. Oppressive gov’ts in Afghanistan & Iraq Conflict over oil rich lands Persian Gulf War (1990-1991): Iraq invades Kuwait in attempt to control oil fields Clashes Over Land

Clashes Over Leadership U.S. War on Terrorism fought in Afghanistan 2003 – U.S. declares war on Iraq & leader Saddam Hussein Fear for national security Clashes Over Leadership

Overthrow of the Taliban Taliban – fundamentalist Muslim political group Protecting Osama bin Laden & al-Qaeda terrorist network in Afghanistan Operation Enduring Freedom (2001) – seize terrorist financial assets & destroy infrastructure Removed from power by 2002 Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003) – removal of Saddam Hussein from power due to his possession of weapons of mass destruction Replaced with democracy & constitution in Iran Overthrow of the Taliban