1. Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq

2. Jordan Location puts country in the middle of political struggles in the region

3. West Bank War in 1948, allowed for the annexation of the West Bank Supplied to country with fertile land By the mid-1960’s, 1/3 of GNP came from region 1967: Due to war, Israel gained control of the West Bank and East Jerusalem Devastated economy

4. Palestinians After Arab- Israeli Wars many Palestinians fled to Jordan Encouraged Palestinians to become part of society Strong Political Force

5. A Modern Country Improving economy Political Reform- to unite an Islamic heritage with modern political freedoms

6. Lebanon Was prospering country Bloody civil war destroyed country

7. Beginning of War Religious groups shared power Maronites- largest group- held the most power Muslims demanded more power as population grew Economic problems increased tensions 1958 and 1975 Civil War breaks out

8. PLO strikes out from Lebanon Israelis retaliate against Lebanon International Peacekeepers Muslim and Christian factions Mid- 1980’s: anarchy Agreement among political groups ends fighting

9. Syria Damascus and Aleppo busy centers for trade Fertile farmlands Out-of –date farming practices Changes upstream may affect Syria’s future Economic and Political Changes

10. Iraq Farming Oil War with Iran 1988- UN cease-fire- Iraq left in debt 1990- Invasion of Kuwait Embargo placed on Iraq Food for Oil Program Oppression of Kurds