1. Independence in Southwest Asia

2. The countries of Southwest Asia gained their independince in the 20th century
Most countries became semi-independent not long after WWI
Areas that had been ruled by the British became British protectorates, areas that had been ruled by the French became French protectorates
After WWII, European allied governments were overthrown and the countries of Southwest Asia became truly independent
In almost every case, the newly independent governments were dictatorships

3. Comparing Dictatorships
Prompt: Compare and contrast the dictatorships of Saddam Hussein and Bashar al-Assad
First, read the short biographies on Hussein and Assad and highlight or underline anything that could help you answer the guiding question

4. Comparing Dictatorships
Prompt: Compare and contrast the dictatorships of Saddam Hussein and Bashar al-Assad
First, read the short biographies on Hussein and Assad and highlight or underline anything that could help you answer the guiding question
Second, create a Venn diagram showing the similarities and differences between the two dictators

5. Comparing Dictatorships
Prompt: Compare and contrast the dictatorships of Saddam Hussein and Bashar al-Assad
First, read the short biographies on Hussein and Assad and highlight or underline anything that could help you answer the guiding question
Second, create a Venn diagram showing the similarities and differences between the two dictators
Third, come up with three main ideas in response to the prompt
Each should represent your own thinking and analysis about what the two have in common or where the two differ
Each should be backed up by detailed evidence from the readings