1. Cold War Divides the World How are countries of the Middle East influenced by the Superpowers?

2. US tries to influence Iran 1941: Reza Mohammed Pahlavi becomes Shah after his father’s death, embraces west, secular ideas & oil companies 1951: backed by Iranian nationalists & Ayatollahs (religious leaders) Muhammad Mossadeq is elected Prime Minister Mossadeq starts to nationalize Iran’s oil fields, coup removes Pahlavi 1953: Worried Soviets may gain influence in Iran, CIA sponsors a counter-coup that removes Mossadeq & puts Pahlavi back in charge Shah Pahlavi begins to weaken the Ayatollahs’ powers 1978-79: Ayatollah Khomeini encourages the people of Iran to revolt & Shah is is overthrown, Khomeini creates Islamic theocracy Islamic students storm US embassy and hold Americans hostage for 444 days Overthrown!

3. Iran Hostage Crisis: Take notes on video

4. Iran Hostage Crisis Questions 1.What positive things did the Shah bring to Iran? 2.What negative things did the Shah bring to Iran? 3.What happens to the Shah in 1953? 4.Who restores the Shah to power? 5.What reforms does the Shah bring to Iran? 6.Who are the main opponents of the Shah? 7.Where does the Shah send Khomeini in 1964? 8.How do Iranians respond when the US allows the Shah into America? 9.How does President Carter respond to the crisis? 10.How many days are the hostages held captive? Who is president when they are released?

5. Iran/Iraq War Fearing Soviets could have more influence in the region, the US decides to support Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein Hussein had established a secular government and began cracking down on Iraqi communists Iraq goes to war with Iran, US begins sending weapons (including poison gas) to Hussein Fearing Hussein could have too much power US secretly sends weapons to Iran during the war, which last from 1980-1988 Soviets Invade Afghanistan Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev wants to bring Afghanistan under Soviet influence 1978: Soviets had a communist gov`t running Afghanistan 1979: An Islamic revolt threatens to topple the pro-Soviet Afghan govt.

6. Soviets expect a short stay, only there to aid Communist Afghan Govt However, Soviets begin fighting the war themselves against Islamic guerilla rebels called the Mujahideen Dec 1979: to stop the revolt, Soviet Union invades Afghanistan US begins aiding Mujahideen – President Carter cuts off grain to USSR & boycotts Olympics Soviet economy is struggling because of the cost of the war. Soviet Army is also losing many battles – Soviets withdraw in 1989 After war, US doesn’t send any more aid to Afghanistan. Mujahideen splits into two groups Taliban & Northern Alliance each try to win control