Middle East Test Review

5 Pillars of Islam basics of Islamic laws & teachings Pray 5 Times a day toward the city of Mecca Believe in one god (Allah) and Muhammad was his last prophet Pay alms Make a pilgrimage to Mecca called the Hajj Celebrate Ramadan (fast during daylight)

What is the only Jewish Country in the Middle East?

Israel

What is a theocracy? Iran is an example of this type of government.

A theocracy is a government ruled by the religious leaders.

Are there any countries in the Middle East a member NATO?

Turkey is the only Muslim country in NATO They also want to become a member of the EU.

Who controls worldwide oil prices?

OPEC What does it stand for?

What is Desalinization?

Desalinization is the removal of salt from ocean water.

Who is Muhammad?

Muhammad is the founder of Islamic laws and teachings.

What is the holiest place in Jerusalem for Muslims?

Dome of the Rock It is believed to be the place where Muhammad rose into heaven.

What river is so important to Israel?

Jordan River It feeds the Dead Sea and also provides a natural boundary for Israel.

Where can you find water and vegetation in the desert?

Oasis

What is the goal of the PLO?

To regain control of the land under Israeli control for Palestinian Arabs.

Define Zionism?

The movement to create and support a Jewish homeland in Palestine.

Define a stateless nation?

A nation of people without land to legally occupy.

When do Muslims fast?

During Ramadan Muslim fast from sunrise to sunset.

Info on the Dead Sea

Only contains bacteria, its to salty to contain life forms. It is the lowest place on the exposed crust of the earth.

What is the holy site in Jerusalem for Jewish people?

The Western Wall (Wailing Wall)

Mesopotamia

Land between the Tigris and Euphrates River Home to some of the earliest civilizations Also known as the Fertile Crescent

What is an Islamic house of worship?

Mosque

What is the largest group of Muslims called?

Sunni About 83% of all Muslims

Fundamentalist Muslim group in Afghanistan?

Taliban

What is the small territory along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in Israel? Claimed by the Palestinians

Gaza Strip

What food product are Muslims forbidden to eat?

Pork

Most Iranian Muslims belong to this branch of Islam

Shi’ite

What is the principle resource for the Arabian Peninsula?

Oil

Why is it important for Israel to have strong ties to the U.S. and have a large military force?

Mutual benefits, they are one of our biggest allies They need a large army because of who is surrounding them.