History of the Middle East

North Africa – Bedouins are Arabic-speaking people who migrated to north Africa from deserts in southwest Asia. – Nomadic herders Most people are Sunni Muslims and speak Arabic.

Iran Iran, once called Persia, means “ land of the Aryans. ” – Believe they are descendants of Aryans (Indo-Europeans who migrated from southern Russia around 1000 BC) – Speak Farsi and 90% are Shia Muslims

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, & Oman became monarchies that follow Islamic law based on the Quran.

Sheikh Mohammed leads UAE equestrian team to victory Pres. Obama with Saudi King Abdullah Qatar Emir with Wife

Afghanistan Historically invaded 1979 – Soviet Union invaded hoping to spread communism. – 1988 – Soviet Union withdrew. After Soviet withdrawal, the rebel group, Mujahadeen, overthrew the government creating the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

1995 – the Taliban (Islamic military group) promised to restore order and rose to power. – Cracked down on crime and drugs – Severely limited women ’ s rights and used violence to enforce law After 9/11, US attacked and ousted the Taliban. – American forces have worked with the country to stabilize the government. – 2004 – Hamid Karzai named president in country ’ s first successful election.

Palestinian/Israeli Conflict The Hebrews (Jewish) first occupied the land after leaving slavery in Egypt. This area has been called Judea, Galilee, Samaria, and Canaan.

As the Roman Empire, spread to the region, the Romans were successful in expelling these Jews from their homeland. They destroyed and conquered Jerusalem.

Jews were forced to leave their homeland, and many ended up in countries throughout Europe.

Over the next 2,000 years, Arabic speaking Muslims become the dominant ethnic group and took over the region. They built their lives in the same area that was once the Jewish homeland, and they became known as Palestinians.

After the Holocaust, many Jews began to flee back to their original homeland. After WWII, the area is divided between the Jewish and the Palestinians. The United Nations officially recognized Israel as a nation and as a Jewish state.

Several wars were fought between the two groups, with the UN always backing Israel. Israel continued to take land, leaving many Palestinians displaced and forced to refugee camps in other countries.

2006 – Islamic group, Hamas, won elections in the West Bank & Gaza Strip. Hamas opposes Israel ’ s right to exist and supports armed attacks on Israeli territory.