Lesson 2

 Compare the three major religions: Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.  Analyze the Islamic religion to dispel any preconceived notions.  Explore the causes behind fundamentalism and its impact on US foreign policy.

 Why is the Middle East an area of US interest?  Strategic Location – Economic, Military  Oil  Religious Significance

 To what religious affiliation do most Middle Eastern groups belong?  Islam- Muslims  All but Israelis and Armenians

 ~1800 BCE, Hebrews flee Canaan, migrate to Egypt (enslaved).  Moses, Mt Sinai.  1 God, 10 Commandments  ~1025 BCE: Kingdom of Israel in Fertile Crescent.  ~500 BCE :Persians take over, Return to Israel & rebuild temple in Jerusalem.  ~70 CE: Romans expel Jews from Israel/Palestine “diaspora”  Won’t return until late 1800s

 Jesus born in Roman ruled Palestine (Bethlehem)  Some believed he was the messiah - savior from foreign rule  Romans, scared of popularity & angry over refusal to accept emperor as a god, crucified him 33CE  Followers, Christians, spread “word”  Everyone equal, eternal life  Became martyrs  313CE, Constantine converts  395CE, official religion empire

 What was life like in the Middle East in early centuries?  Desert  Bedouins  Oasis towns  Feuds, rivalry, lawless

 ~610 CE Angel Gabriel tells Mohammed he is to be the messenger of God/Allah  ~622 flee from Mecca to Medina, build 1 st mosque  Hejira – Yr 1 of Muslim Calendar  Prophet  Expansion of Islam  Use war & political maneuvering to spread ideas  632 control Peninsula  732 empire Atlantic to India

 People of the Book –  Monotheistic, Allah same God, Judgment Day, & Afterlife, Tolerance, Sons of Abraham

In small groups, create a graphic representation of content related to one of the following :  Five Pillars  Jihad  Sunni v. Shi’ite (Shia)  Women  Attire

 Political & social movement promoting a return to traditional, or fundamental, interpretation of any religion.  Islamic Fundamentalism or “Political Islam”  Est. Shari’a law as foundation of government  Rid society of non-Islamic influence

 Decline Islamic empire, exploited by West, frustrated w/domestic politics.  Frustration with rapid social & economic changes.  Western presence in Holy Lands & ME policies; perceived attack on Islam

 MOST Muslims DO NOT ADVOCATE violence!  Terrorism as form of jihad  Seek to overthrow secular regimes & rulers they regard as un-Islamic  Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and Kuwait as well as US

 World Gone Wrong  Religion to cope & guide  Tool for social activism & poly change  Motivate & justify purpose  No Other Option  Tried traditional channels for change, failed  Lack power, voice  Hopeless & frustrated  Cosmic War Against Enemy  Good vs Evil (God/Devil)  Stakes so high, cause so virtuous = any means justify ends  Symbolism & Violence  Value to target & timing  “Four Cases” Read From “Responding to Terrorism: Challenges for Democracy”

 What terror groups can you identify by name?  Chart  Similarities?  Differences?  Role in government?

 US Concerns  Poly & econ stability  Terror attacks against Western Interests  “Islamaphobia”- Anti- Arab Anti-Muslim, sentiment born out of fear and ignorance

 Why do you think so many people misunderstand the Islamic religion?

 Wiki Post Middle East tab “Islamic Fundamentalism”