1. Conflicts in the Middle East the Holy Land Conflicts in the Middle East aka the Holy Land Former territory of Ottoman Empire, becomes British Mandate of Palestine after Versailles Treaty of WWI, Mandate given to United Nations at the end of WWIIFormer territory of Ottoman Empire, becomes British Mandate of Palestine after Versailles Treaty of WWI, Mandate given to United Nations at the end of WWII 1947, UN recommends partition of Palestine into a Palestinian state and a Jewish state, with Jerusalem becoming an international city owned by neither side1947, UN recommends partition of Palestine into a Palestinian state and a Jewish state, with Jerusalem becoming an international city owned by neither side More detailed background information?!?: http://www.britishempire.co.uk/maproom/palestine.htm

2. Balfour Declaration 1917 In classic Imperialism “double-speak” fashion, the British seem to make promises to both sides....

3. Israel becomes a state May 14, 1948 May 15, all surrounding Arab states attack IsraelMay 15, all surrounding Arab states attack Israel After a year of fighting, cease-fire declared Palestinian state proposed by UN never comes into beingPalestinian state proposed by UN never comes into being, Israel seized half of this land during the year of fighting Approx. 700,000 Palestinian refugees were expelled or fled newly-created country during conflict over statehood UN accepts Israel as a member nation in 1949UN accepts Israel as a member nation in 1949

5. Six-Day War 1967 A swift and decisive victory for IsraelA swift and decisive victory for Israel over Egypt, Jordan, Syria Gaza Strip and Sinai Peninsula West Bank East Jerusalem Golan HeightsIsrael took control of Gaza Strip and Sinai Peninsula from Egypt, the West Bank and East Jerusalem from Jordan, and Golan Heights from Syria central concerns in current conflictThe capture of these territories and on-going refugee problems from this war are central concerns in current conflict

6. Camp David Accords 1979 First signed agreement between Israel and an Arab countryFirst signed agreement between Israel and an Arab country, ended 30 years of hostility between Israel and Egypt Egypt recognized Israel’s right to existEgypt recognized Israel’s right to exist, which at that time was the first Arab country to do so Israel returns the Sinai Peninsula to EgyptIsrael returns the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt

7. Palestinians demand Independence securitysettlementsUnwilling to give up territories seized for security, Israelis began to build settlements on the West Bank and Gaza Strip PLO (Palestinian Liberation Organization)Resenting Israeli rule, Palestinians living in Israel increasingly looked towards the PLO (Palestinian Liberation Organization) for political representation PLO is currently split into 2 factions: HAMAS & FATAHPLO is currently split into 2 factions: HAMAS & FATAH 1. HAMAS is the right-wing, militant/extreme PLO that is designated as a terrorist by the USA....currently controls Gaza Strip 2. FATAH is left-wing, popular-based PLO that is not designated as a terrorist organization by the USA....currently controls West Bank

8. Current Events in the Middle East 2011 Israel’s Wall in the West BankIsrael’s Wall (security fence/separation barrier) in the West Bank On-going construction by the State of Israel for security reasons Severely restricts, controls movement of PalestiniansSeverely restricts, controls movement of Palestinians in West Bank and Israel UN and nation-states demand that Israel stop and reverse this construction projectUN and nation-states demand that Israel stop and reverse this construction project Project breaks international laws and moves Israeli control further into Occupied Palestinian TerritoriesProject breaks international laws and moves Israeli control further into Occupied Palestinian Territories CONTROVERSY: Is this WALL a form of APARTHEID?!?CONTROVERSY: Is this WALL a form of APARTHEID?!? http://www.btselem.org/Download/Separatio n_Barrier_Map_Eng.pdfhttp://www.btselem.org/Download/Separatio n_Barrier_Map_Eng.pdf

9. Current Events in the Middle East 2011 Israeli settlements in the West Bank built on land that was captured by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War considered occupied territoryconsidered occupied territory by the international community Criticized by Human Rights organizationsCriticized by Human Rights organizations major obstacle to the Peace ProcessViewed as a major obstacle to the Peace Process CONTROVERSY: Are these settlements legal?!?CONTROVERSY: Are these settlements legal?!?

10. Current Events in the Middle East 2011 President Obama current situation is “unsustainable”President Obama has recently declared current situation is “unsustainable” in regards to Israel’s “permanent occupation” of West Bank. Urges creation of Palestinian State based on 1967 borders before the six-day warUrges creation of Palestinian State based on 1967 borders before the six-day war CONTROVERSY: Where do we go from here?!?CONTROVERSY: Palestinians, Israelis, Arabs, Zionists, Jews, Muslims, etc......Where do we go from here?!?