1. US Interests and
Regional Issues in
the Middle East

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

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. The Clash of Cultures Video
Chapter 1, Lesson 5

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

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

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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

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

21. 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

22. 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