1. Post WWII Middle East
World History
8.2.3

2. Independence
Syria and Lebanon gain their independence toward the end of WWII
Many Jewish people (some Holocaust survivors) migrate to this area
Believed it to be their Holy Land
Zionists push for migration
Sympathy for Jewish grows after Holocaust

3. Israel 1948 – Formed but not recognized
Muslim nations feel betrayed that their land was taken from them
Muslim nations invade, unsuccessful, but still don’t recognize Israel as an independent nation

4. Gamal Abdel Nasser and the Suez War
Seizes control of Egypt
Seizes control of Suez Canal
English, French, and Israel oppose him
US and USSR support him
Opposed English and French intervention in Middle East

5. Pan-Arabism
United Arab Republic (UAR) meant to speak for all Arab interests
Oil-rich countries don’t want to share oil revenue with poorer Arab nations
1967 – Nasser blockades Israel
Israel launches air strikes in retaliation
Israel destroys Egyptian Air Force and breaks blockade
Seizes Sinai Peninsular and West Bank
Today called the “Six Day War”

6. The Yom Kippur War Egypt and Syria launch coordinated attack
Israel survives and nearly destroys Egyptian Army
Peace treaty saves Egypt but nothing resolved