What makes up the Middle East?

Historical Conflicts in the Middle East Since the start of man’s history, the Middle East has been a “hot bed” of civilization’s development. Religion has consistently played a role in the politics and history of the region. The competition for scarce resources, water, agricultural land, and more recently oil, have driven leaders and nations into conflict.

Sources of Modern Middle East Conflict Religious Differences Different religions Sunnis (leader is a member of the Muslim community) vs. Shia’s (Direct descendant of Muhammad) Ethnic Groups Persians (Iran) vs. Arabs (Iraq) Nationalism Some ethnic groups wish for an independent nation instead of a multi-ethnic one Kurds- mountain people from Armenia, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey (Multiple violent struggles for independence) Fundamentalism/Extremism Belief in following your religion directly, as outline by holy text Theocratic Government- religion based Example- 1979, Shi’ite leader Khomeini took over Iran, ended all westernization and instilled fundamentalist beliefs over the government and country

BRITAIN & THE BALFOUR DECLARATION During WWI the British wanted the U.S. to join the war on their side. They thought if they supported the concept of Zionism, a Jewish homeland in Palestine, that influential Jewish Americans might persuade the U.S. to join the war on the Allied side. The Balfour Declaration of 1917 affirmed the British Government’s belief/support that Zionism should be supported. Palestine was controlled by the British, after the defeat of the Ottoman Turks in WWI. They officially took control of Palestine in 1922. Controlled by Great Britain, following WWII, Jewish refugees fled Europe for safety, many immigrated to Palestine

McMAHON AGREEMENT Hoping to get the Arabs’ support against Turks, British officials appear to promise them Palestine also. Woops!

20th Century Modern Middle East History Palestine- Arab region lived on by Jewish people for over 2000 years 1945 Jewish terrorist organizations began to kill British soldiers in Palestine. 1946 the Zionist terrorist organization, Irgun, bombed the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, headquarters of the British military in Palestine, killing 91 people. 1947- United Nations involved to end disagreement with traditional Arab population and recent Jewish immigrants The U.N. divides Palestine in to two parts Part 1 Arab Part 2 Jewish 1948- Israel becomes independent state for Jewish people Arab—Israeli Wars Arab nations, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia & Syria declare war on Israel. They did not agree with the creation of the Jewish state Israel wins the first of multiple wars (1948, 1967, and 1973)

I. Reason for conflict A. Palestinians – Arabs who had lived in the area of Israel for 2000 years forced to move B. Palestinians that remained forced to live in camps to make room for Jews C. Jerusalem is holy land to 3 major faiths D. Jews and Muslims each want to control Jerusalem

Arab- Israeli Wars Over 700,000 Palestinian Arab refugees fled to other countries during the wars Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO)- goal est. an independent Palestinian State Throughout wars, constant shifts of territory between Israelis and Palestinians Peace Attempts 1979- Egypt makes peace with Israel 1993- Palestinian and Israel peace agreement signed PLO recognizes Israel as a state Israel gave territory to the Palestinians

II. Effects of creation of Israel A. Palestinians became refugees in other countries throughout the middle east.

Map of Palestinian Refugees According to the map, what was one result of the creation of Israel?

B. Terrorism is a constant threat in Israel

C. Israel Puts up a wall around Palestinian areas to prevent terrorist from moving into Israeli areas Look it up! : What does apartheid mean?

What becomes of the PLO? PLO becomes the Palestinian Authority A new group emerges, upset with the direction of the PA (old-PLO) – HAMAS. Hamas – affiliated (though not directly backed) with the Muslim Brotherhood; practices a branch of Sunni extremism PA (PLO) – West Bank Hamas – Gaza Strip

Arab Spring Starting in Egypt in Feb. 2011, several Middle Eastern governments were overthrown or came under pressure from popular citizen revolts. These revolts became known as the Arab Spring.

Arab Spring Egyptian Revolution - President Mubarak ruled Egypt for 30 years Country was governed by the military throughout his reign Revolution, 18 days of protest High poverty rate, low literacy of population,high unemployment Mubarek resigns, is arrested and sent to prison. Libyan Revolution - Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, dictator for 40 years August 2011 Government overthrown Gaddafi captured in October and killed Algerian Revolution - Abdelaziz Bouteflika - President Pressured to change the Constitution and limit Presidential power Issues with the government and the people had been brewing for over 19 years Revolution triggered by high food prices, starvation. Tunisian Revolution – President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, ruled Tunisia for over 25. Over 300 citizens died during the revolution - President and wife sentenced to 35 years in jail

A Middle Eastern Cold War? Countries fight proxy wars Provide support through men and resources rather than openly fighting each other. Iran vs. Saudi Arabia Ex., Yemen and Syria (opposite situations) Syria– Iranians support government; Saudis support rebels Yemen – Saudis support government; Iranians support rebels

Islamic vs. Islamist Islamic Islamist Someone who practices Islam; also referred to as Muslim Islamist Refers to political or ideological; can include Islamic/Muslim people ALL extremist groups are Islamist If they are only made up of Muslims, then they are also Islamic.

Islamic Extremism Taliban Al-Qaeda Primarily in Afghanistan and Northern Pakistan Took over Afghani government in mid 1990s. Al-Qaeda Ideology adopted from Egyptian and Saudi Arabian sources Osama bin Laden became figurehead when moved to Afghanistan Taliban made it easier for extremist groups to develop and carry out attacks

Islamic Extremism (cont.) ISIS/ISIL/IS/Da’esh/The Caliphate All are the same thing Islamic State of Iraq and Syria Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Islamic State Da'esh is the Arabic name Members referred to themselves as the Caliphate Originally teamed up with Al-Qaeda, then broke off because of ideological differences. More radical Want their own Islamic state in Iraq and Syria