Post WWII Middle East World History 8.2.3

Independence Syria and Lebanon gain their independence toward the end of WWII Many Jewish people (some Holocaust survivors) migrate to this area Believed it to be their Holy Land Zionists push for migration Sympathy for Jewish grows after Holocaust

Israel 1948 – Formed but not recognized Muslim nations feel betrayed that their land was taken from them Muslim nations invade, unsuccessful, but still don’t recognize Israel as an independent nation

Gamal Abdel Nasser and the Suez War Seizes control of Egypt Seizes control of Suez Canal English, French, and Israel oppose him US and USSR support him Opposed English and French intervention in Middle East

Pan-Arabism United Arab Republic (UAR) meant to speak for all Arab interests Oil-rich countries don’t want to share oil revenue with poorer Arab nations 1967 – Nasser blockades Israel Israel launches air strikes in retaliation Israel destroys Egyptian Air Force and breaks blockade Seizes Sinai Peninsular and West Bank Today called the “Six Day War”

The Yom Kippur War Egypt and Syria launch coordinated attack Israel survives and nearly destroys Egyptian Army Peace treaty saves Egypt but nothing resolved