International Organizations

United nations Abbreviation: U.N. Formed in 1945 after WWII Created to prevent future world wars and provide a platform for dialogue between nations There are currently 193 members Headquartered in New York City

Palestinian Liberation Organization Abbreviation: P.L.O. Formed in May 1964 Created by 422 Palestinians to oppose Israeli occupation of Palestine and create an independent nation for Palestinians Led by Yasser Arafat, who in 1993, officially recognized the legitimacy of Israel Arafat died in 2004 and was succeeded by Mahmoud Abbas as President of Palestine

hamas Arabic acronym that means “Islamic Resistance Movement.” Formed in 1987 by Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood Responsible for Israel-targeted attacks and shootings. Successful in the 2006 Palestinian parliamentary elections, taking 76 of the 132 seats in the chamber. Considered a terrorist organization by Canada, the European Union, Israel, Japan, and the United States

Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries Abbreviation: O.P.E.C. Formed in September 1960 Created to regulate the supply of oil that was being exported to countries around the world. Originally formed to ensure a fair price on their product Currently made up of 12 countries: 6 in the Middle East, 4 in Africa, and 2 in South America Headquartered in Vienna, Austria

World Trade organization Abbreviation: W.T.O. Formed in 1995 Created to liberalize trade, negotiate trade agreements, and settle trade disputes between its member nations There are currently 160 members Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

North American Free Trade Agreement Abbreviation: N.A.F.T.A. Signed into U.S. law by Bill Clinton and took effect on January 1st, 1994. Trilateral trade bloc created by the governments of Canada, the United States and Mexico Purpose: To remove trade barriers and encourage investment between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico

Islam vocabulary Nomad – A member of a group that has no fixed home and moves from place to place Islam – A religion based on the teachings of the prophet Muhammad Hadith – Sayings and teachings of Muhammad Caliph – The civil and religious ruler of a Muslim state Hijra – Muhammad's emigration with his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622. Pilgrimage – A journey to a sacred place or shrine Qur’an – The sacred book of Islam Muslim – A believer in Islam Mosque – A place of Muslim worship

Islam vocabulary Muhammad – Founder of Islam, prophet of God Allah – Arabic word for God Sunni – One who follows the ways and customs of Muhammad, specifically those who accept that authority was passed down through consensus of the Muslim community Shia – (Shia is the noun and Shiite is the adjective) one who believes authority was passed from the Prophet Muhammad to his lineal descendants Sharia – Islamic law based on the teachings of the Koran and the traditions of the Prophet (Hadith and Sunna)