1. REVIEW Government & Economy of the Middle East

2. Different Countries, Different Governments The countries of the Middle East have different forms of government. Israel: Parliamentary Democracy Iran: Theocracy Saudi Arabia: Monarchy

3. Parliamentary Democracy of Israel (cont’d.) Israel has a unitary system of government where the central government in Jerusalem handles most government functions. The head of government is the prime minister. Knesset, the legislative branch. Upon reaching 18, both men and women can vote. Israel has a better than average record on matters of personal freedom.

4. Theocracy: The Government of Iran The government of Iran is a theocracy, viewing all government matters through the eyes of its primary religion, Islam. Once they reach 18, both men and women can vote The Assembly of Experts appoints the Supreme Leader, a religious position that lasts a lifetime.

5. Theocracy: The Government of Iran (cont’d.) The threads of Islam are woven throughout the government. If a person disagrees with the government, he or she could be arrested for treason. Women have far fewer rights than men, and their peaceful demonstrations for equality have been met with violence.

6. The Monarchy of Saudi Arabia The government of Saudi Arabia is a monarchy, and the king is both chief government and religious official. There is no constitution as Islamic law governs Saudi Arabia. Men aged 21 and older can vote. A group called Human Rights Watch views the Saudi justice system as highly secretive and wants it open to the public.

7. The Monarchy of Saudi Arabia (cont’d.) Human rights and personal freedoms are often denied in Saudi Arabia. Examples include unfair trials and extreme physical punishments.

8. Sharia Law Sharia law is the body of Islamic law - it is the legal framework within which the public and some private aspects of life are regulated for those living in a legal system based on Islam. Sharia is a significant source of legislation in various Muslim countries. Some apply all or a majority of the sharia code, and these include Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and United Arab Emirates.

9. Compare and contrast the economic systems of Israel, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Iran Israel Almost no natural resources Economy based on advanced technology which allows them to make up for what they lack in farmland and natural resources

10. Compare and contrast the economic systems of Israel, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Iran Saudi Arabia Much is desert with rich oil reserves Can buy whatever they can’t produce King and advisors make most decisions about how and where to use oil profits Many Saudi people do not share in oil wealth

11. Iran Has great oil wealth A more mixed economy than Saudi Arabia in spite of government attempts to maintain control The governments command economy hasn’t been very efficient in recent years Many Iranians do not share in the oil wealth