US Interests and Regional Issues in the Middle East

Warm-Up Questions CPS Questions (1 - 2) Chapter 1, Lesson 5

Overview The importance of the production and distribution of oil and energy The clash between Middle Eastern and Western cultures The importance of nuclear nonproliferation and the Iranian issue for the United States The importance of the water problem in the Middle East Chapter 1, Lesson 5

Quick Write How do you think the United States should treat Saudi Arabia? As a friend whose shortcomings are to be overlooked because of its oil? As an ally that needs to do better on human rights? Or as a country the United States does business with because it has to? Explain why you feel that way. (Note for teacher: Use “Pick a Student” button in CPS) Chapter 1, Lesson 5

The Importance of the Production and Distribution of Oil and Energy Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Iran are among the world’s leaders in known oil reserves The US imports well more than half of the oil it uses In 1960 five countries with vast amounts of oil—Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela—formed OPEC Robert Harbison / © 1999 The Christian Science Monitor Chapter 1, Lesson 5

The Clash of Cultures Video Consider the implications of cultural differences in today’s global world as we watch this video. In what ways, if any, have you experienced the clash of cultures? Chapter 1, Lesson 5

The Clash of Cultures Video Chapter 1, Lesson 5

The Clash Between Middle Eastern and Western Cultures Many people in the Middle East hold different views on the relationship between religion and government Most Middle Eastern nations have signed the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but some have since changed their stance Chapter 1, Lesson 5 Robert Harbison / © 2001 The Christian Science Monitor

The Clash Between Middle Eastern and Western Cultures, cont. Equality of the sexes is one of the principles of Western society Women in the Middle East tend to have far fewer opportunities, although this is changing Chapter 1, Lesson 5 Robert Harbison / © 1997 The Christian Science Monitor

The Importance of Nuclear Nonproliferation and the Iranian Issue for the United States Nuclear Nonproliferation is preventing the spread and increase of nuclear weapons The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) was created in the United Nations (1970) Chapter 1, Lesson 5 R. Norman Matheny / © 1992 The Christian Science Monitor

Iran’s nuclear program concerns the US The Importance of Nuclear Nonproliferation and the Iranian Issue for the United States, cont. Iran’s nuclear program concerns the US Secret nuclear activities May not be for peaceful purposes Iran is a state sponsor of terrorism Iranian leaders call for Israel’s destruction Iran has shown little regard for the UN’s views on nonproliferation and human rights Chapter 1, Lesson 5

The Importance of the Water Problem in the Middle East The Middle East: only 2% of world’s total renewable water resources Tension over water could lead to war between Israel and neighbors But so far Middle Eastern governments have avoided wrangling over local water by importing lots of food Chapter 1, Lesson 5 Robert Harbison / © 1991 The Christian Science Monitor

Learning Check CPS Questions (3 - 4) Chapter 1, Lesson 5

Activity 1: US Interests and Regional Issues Review Complete the crossword puzzle using vocabulary from this lesson Chapter 1, Lesson 5

Activity 2: Dealing with an Oil Shortage Courses of Action: The United States should significantly reduce or eliminate our dependence on Middle Eastern oil. The United States should negotiate with OPEC members. Create a new option Chapter 1, Lesson 5

Activity 3: Debating Nuclear Nonproliferation More than 180 countries have signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Of those, five have declared nuclear weapons: the US, Russia, the UK, China and France. Other countries such as India, Pakistan, and North Korea have nuclear weapons but have not signed the treaty. Should countries other than the original five listed above be allowed to have nuclear weapons? Chapter 1, Lesson 5

Technology Enrichment: Oil and Gas Quick Facts Research questions 1-5 from your worksheet on the Internet, and answer the analysis question. Chapter 1, Lesson 5

Review The US imports well more than half of the oil it uses In 1960 five countries with vast amounts of oil—Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela—formed OPEC Many people in the Middle East hold different views on the relationship between religion and government Chapter 1, Lesson 5

Review, cont. Nuclear Nonproliferation is preventing the spread and increase of nuclear weapons Iran remains one of the US government’s most serious foreign policy challenges There can be no doubt that water is a serious issue in the Middle East Chapter 1, Lesson 5

Review Questions CPS Questions (5 - 6) Chapter 1, Lesson 5

Summary The importance of the production and distribution of oil and energy The clash between Middle Eastern and Western cultures The importance of nuclear nonproliferation and the Iranian issue for the United States The importance of the water problem in the Middle East Chapter 1, Lesson 5

Next… Done—US Interests and Regional Issues in the Middle East Next—Asia: An Introduction Chapter 1, Lesson 5 Robert Harbison / © 1989 The Christian Science Monitor