Global Studies: Modern Era/Current Events

Israel/Palestine Conflict Israel Created Arab-Israeli War Six Day War - Israel conquers West Bank and Gaza 1973 Yom Kippur War PLO - Palestine Liberation Organization Yassar Arafat Intifada Possible Peace? Contingent on a Palestinian State being formed out of West Bank and Gaza Strip What about Jerusalem? Other nations accepting Israel’s right to exist?

Iranian Revolution For years, the United States had supported the Shah (king) of Iran. Support for culture and U.S. conflicts with Shi’ite culture. Authoritarian, corrupt Ayatollah Khomeini Islamic religious leader in Iran Iranian Revolution Shah deposed Government formed based on Sharia Law (Theocracy) Iranian Hostage Crisis - US Embassy stormed, hostages held for 441 days Today’s Questions Does Iran have nukes? Role in Iraq? Supporting Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations?

OPEC OPEC = Organization for Petroleum Exporting Countries Petroleum = Power Made up of lesser developed countries with oil. Control most of the world’s oil supply. Members include: Iraq, Iran, Indonesia, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Venezuela Work together to set a world oil prices and stabilize levels.

Persian Gulf War (Desert Storm) August, Iraq invades oil-rich country of Kuwait. Desert shield - US troop build up in Saudi Arabia, attempt at diplomacy Desert Storm nation coalition led by the U.S. easily defeat Iraqi army and drives it out of Kuwait Superior technology, airpower vs. 1970’s era Soviet/Chinese technology U.S. does not go all the way to Baghdad; Saddam Hussein remains in power. Environmental terrorism Remaining issues: Saddam still in power; “smart bombs,” depleted uranium weapons, gulf war syndrome.

Islamic Fundamentalism Extreme interpretation of Islam. Strict enforcement of Sharia (Islamic Law) Oppression of Women Think Israel shouldn’t exist. Conflict between culture/Islam and Western Culture terrorism Major terrorist groups Al-qaeda Hezbollah Hamas