The Middle East and the West

Essential Questions Why is there conflict or tension between the Middle East and the West?

Why are there problems? 1.Clash of cultural values 2.Geographical location 3.Resources 4.Political manipulation on both sides

The Crusades Pope calls on all Christians to recapture Jerusalem. This was based on a largely false claim that Muslims were attacking Christian pilgrims. Historians suspect the real motive for the crusades was to reunite a divided Christian church.

Saladin- The first Pan-Arabian figure Respected by both Muslims and Christians. Largely forgotten until 1898 when German Kaiser paid his respects at his tomb in Damascus.

The Ottomans Twice Laid siege to Vienna In decline by the end of the 19 th Century

Western Influence grows European countries attempt to fuel Arab Nationalism in order to destroy the Ottoman Empire and take control of the Middle East. Why? Resources In the case of Britain and France- destroy an enemy (the Ottomans were allied with Germany during WWI)

Consequences of British and French Control Borders redrawn to suit occupiers- this had occurred in Asia and Africa

One Major Problem with this… European imperialism in Africa and Asia had been present since the 18 th /19 th Centuries. Those countries had time to adjust to the new national identities they had been given. The Arab peoples were united by common language and culture- It was not so easy for them to embrace the concept of nationalism.

The end of imperialism WWII dramatically decreased the ability of European countries to maintain global empires. The USA and USSR wanted to take advantage of this development to create valuable alliances in the Middle East which in turn fueled their Cold War rivalries. They encouraged Arab Nationalism in order help Arab nations gain their independence and create these alliances.

Why did Arabs gain their independence? Effect of WWII of Imperial powers New Superpowers (USA and USSR) encouraged independence- wanted access to oil. Growth of Arab Nationalism (and the search for the heir to Saladin- the next pan-Arabian figure)

Growing pains with Nationalism (not Arab Nationalism) 1948 creation of Israel: appease Zionists who wanted a Jewish state.

What happened? The Palestinian leadership had been almost destroyed by the British in The Arab Council were given the authority to decide whether Palestine would accept the settlement. However, loyalties were divided as each country was looking out for themselves. Israel accepted the settlement; Palestine did not. Israel occupied Palestinian territory.

A US Foreign Policy misstep The US were close to siding with Palestine in They realized that to support the creation of Israel would be unpopular with Arab nations. However, the speed and aggression with which Israel acted took many people by surprise.

The heir to Saladin?

The Master of Cold War Games Nasser was superb at playing on Cold War rivalries. He was very skilled at encouraging the competition between USSR and USA for Egypt’s allegiance. This was the main reason the US did not support the combined UK-France-Israeli attempts to retake the Suez Canal. Other Arab leaders followed his example.

The End of Nasserism An Arab coalition led by Egypt launched a pre-emptive attack against Israel. Israel defeated the Arab nations in 6 days and took over control of the Sinai Peninsula. Egypt only regained control of the Sinai with the Yom Kippur War in 1973.

More consequences of the Arab- Israeli conflicts 1974: OPEC oil embargo- led to Worldwide economic downturn : Lebanese civil war- in part caused by displacement of Palestinian refugees. Creation of Palestinian Liberation Organization, Hamas (Sunni) and Hezbollah (Shi’a)

Problems for the West caused by Arab- Israeli conflicts Arab Resentment against Western support for Israel. US in particular tied to a now unpredictable ally.

1979- A Crucial Year 1.Islamic Revolution 2.Invasion of Afghanistan

The rise of Islam as a political ideology Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Khomeini deposes the Shah and becomes Supreme Leader of Iran. The Shah is offered political asylum by the USA. Iranians storm the US embassy in Tehran and hold US diplomats hostage.

Why was the Shah seen as a puppet ruler? Mohammed Mossadegh democratically elected ruler of Iran. He attempted to retake control of Iranian oil reserves from the British. British and the Americans ensured he was overthrown and replaced by the Shah.

How did this affect Iran’s position in the World? Iran became a rogue state- it was isolated both in the Middle East and internationally. Iran was now a Shi’a republic in the Middle East- Sunni kingdoms felt threatened. The Ayatollahs had used Iranian resentment against the West to fuel their own brand of Political Islam.

The Invasion of Afghanistan The USSR invaded Afghanistan in 1979 to support the Marxist government. In order to repel what was since as an atheist, foreign invader, the Mujahedeen banded together. They were supported by the USA. Osama bin Laden was part of the Mujahedeen.

Consequences of these events. Rise of Political Islam- harnessed religious fervor. Revived ideas of Jihad. Iran-Iraq War- Sunni Kingdoms support Iraqi Ba’athist Party (led by Sunni Saddam Hussein) against Iran.

1990- Bin Laden focuses on the USA Iraq invades Kuwait- Saudi Arabia is threatened. Bin Laden’s offer to protect Saudi Arabia is rejected. US-led UN coalition liberates Kuwait in 1991.

Why does this add to resentment? Bin Laden was horrified by non-Muslims using the land of Mecca and Medina as a base. Bush’s encouragement of Kurdish uprising (to topple Saddam) but then choosing not to follow up promises of military support.

The creation of Al Qa’eda WTC bombing bombings of US embassies in Africa attack on US warship of Yemeni coast /11 Attacks

Post-9/11 Bush uses Western anger over 9/11 attacks to push foreign policy agenda. Agenda is based on Iraq. Issues claims of WMDs but fails to get UN resolution passed by Security Council- France and Russia veto. Acts unilaterally and forms coalition of the Willing.

Consequences of the Iraq War Fuels more resentment against the West Diverts resources away from the War in Afghanistan against Al Qa’eda and the Taliban Damages the authority of the UN Destabilizes the region