Southwest Asia Today Dubai, UAE

Standard SS7CG5 The student will explain the structures of the national governments of Southwest Asia (Middle East) a. Compare the parliamentary democracy of the State of Israel, the monarchy of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the theocracy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, distinguishing the form of leadership and the role of the citizen in terms of voting rights and personal freedoms.

Governments of Middle East TYPES of GOV’T: Absolute Monarchy Dictatorship Autocracy Oligarchy Democracy Parliamentary Presidential Theocracy King Abdullah (SA), Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (Ir.), Ayatollah Khomeini (Ir.), Benjamin Netanyahu (Is.)

Israel Parliamentary Democracy Prime Minister and Parliament are elected by the people (exception to the rule) Parliament known as Knesset (120 members, 4 yr. terms) Coalition government of many parties. 32 different governments since Israel was established in 1948.

Israel Prime Minister is Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu President is a ceremonial role Major issue is security. All citizens can vote and speak freely.

Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia is an Islamic absolute monarchy (king inherits his position) The Qur'an is declared to be the constitution of the country, which is governed on the basis of Islamic law (Shari'a). No elections or political parties. Voting rights: males, age 21 or older; women beginning in 2015

Saudi Arabia The King of Saudi Arabia is both head of state and the head of government, but decisions are made on the based on advice from his brothers (princes), other family members, and some religious leaders. King Abdallah has ruled since 2005. Law is according to king’s decree. King is the government!

Iran Islamic revolution in 1979 Islamic republic Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is the Head of State. Religious leader – theocracy “Supreme Leader” according to Koran Election in 2005 of President – Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Results were disputed Candidates must be approved prior to running for office. See U.S. as their enemy.

Iraq Saddam Hussein (former dictator)was captured (2003) by U.S. and tried by the Iraqi government. U.S. has sponsored elections but split between Sunni, Shia, and Kurds has made free elections difficult. 2010 Open and free elections of: Prime Minister – Kamal Al Maliki Parliamentary Government U.S. soldiers are leaving Violence continues to disrupt stability

Afghanistan United States – goal – stabilize and bring democracy. Constitution set in 2004 with help of N.A.T.O. Hamad Karzai – president elected in 2009. Democracy has been slow to grow!

Assessment Israel Iran Saudi Arabia a. Democracy Monarchy Theocracy Ayatollah Khomeini Benjamin Netanyahu King Abdullah

Georgia 7th Grade Standards Compare and contrast the economic systems in Israel, Saudi Arabia and Turkey Evaluate how the literacy rate affects the standard of living Explain the primary function of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries Explain how most countries have a mixed economy located on the continuum between pure market and pure command.

Standard of Living vs. Literacy Rate & GDP per capita Standard of Living – the degree of wealth and material comfort available to the general population of a country. GDP – total value of all goods and services (Gross Domestic Product) Literacy Rate – percentage of the population at a specific age that can read and write GDP per capita – GDP based on population Are literacy rate and GDP linked to standard of living?

High vs. Low Standards of Living Israel Literacy rate – 97% GDP per capita - $31,400 Manufacturing Saudi Arabia Literacy rate – 79% GDP per capita - $24,500 Oil production Yemen Literacy rate – 50% GDP per capita - $2700 Oil production Afghanistan Literacy rate – 28% GDP per capita - $900 Agriculture

Other Standards of Living United States Literacy Rate – 99% GDP per person - $47,200 (312,407,000) Qatar Literacy Rate – 93.1% GDP per person $179,000 (< 300,000 people) Iraq Literacy Rate - 74% GDP per person $3,800 Cuba Literacy Rate 99.9% Second highest in world GDP per person - $9,900 China Literacy Rate – 95.9% GDP per person - $7,600 Population – 1,346,780,000

World Literacy Map

The Eastern Mediterranean Includes Turkey*, Jordan, Israel*, Lebanon, Syria, and Palestinian territories Faced many conflicts Struggle to achieve peace Camp David Accords Not much oil but they do have areas with mild climates and fertile lands Farming is important

Turkey Mild Mediterranean climate and largest population (78,000,000) Agriculture for local use Exports cotton and tobacco Produces textiles, steel, and cars Gradually moved from gov’t-directed economy to more private enterprise 75% of people live in cities

Israel Highly developed and industrial economy High tech manufacturing, financial services, and agriculture Government owns many businesses but is gradually privatizing companies #24th largest economy in world Diamond Exchange Area

Arabian Peninsula OPEC Saudi Arabia*, Yemen, Oman Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries Decides how much oil to produce and the price 12 member nations around the world Saudi Arabia*, Yemen, Oman Oil exports support economies Oil discovered in 1930’s Major suppliers of the world’s energy Petrochemicals products made from petroleum and natural gas plastics, cosmetics, detergents, fertilizers, etc.

Saudi Arabia World’s leading producer of oil Schools, hospitals, roads, and airports built with oil income Building new industries to diversify economy 95% of oil industry operated by government Relies on specialized labor from other countries Gov’t trying to increase private ownership of business

The Persian Gulf Countries Includes Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Profits from oil exports used to build strong, wealthy economies Education, health care, and other services provided to citizens for free Diversifying economy in case oil runs out

Economic continuum Command T SA I Market • • • • 6364 68

Assessment Literacy Rate GDP Qatar OPEC Turkey Saudi Arabia Israel Highest GDP per person in the Middle East Total of goods and services sold in a country Organization which keeps oil prices high for the world Eastern Mediterranean nation with modern economy and 78 million people Lowest GDP per person ($900) and lowest literacy rate (28%) % of people over 15 who can read and write 24th in world GDP, modern economy, financial center, diamond industry World’s largest oil producer Literacy Rate GDP Qatar OPEC Turkey Saudi Arabia Israel Afghanistan