Economy and Governments in S.W. Asia

The Power of Oil OPEC—Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries Attempt to control oil production to increase price Does not work fully—not all oil countries joined Violence and conflicts effect the price of oil

Economic Modernization Countries trying to improve economy and jobs Socialism—gov. controls many or all parts of business, Saudi Arabia—works well, trying not to depend solely on oil Mixed Economy -gov. controls some, many of the countries, Israel—farming and industry

Diverse Governments Many claim to be Republics—most not, really dictatorships Constitutional Monarchy—Jordan, a king and elections of officials Israel is only true democracy in the region Islamic state—Iran, gov based on Islamic laws/rules

Arabs United and Divided Unite to destroy Israel Unite because of language and culture Divided –don’t want to share resources (oil) Divided --religious differences (Sunni and Shiite)