1. Persian Gulf and Interior

2. People and Language Islam is the main religion of this region. Arabic is the most common language because the Qur’an is written in Arabic. Other ethnicities of the region: Kurds, Baloch, Bakhtiari, and Hazara.

3. People and Languages Kurds are Muslim, just not Arabic. Farsi is the language used by most of Iran’s Persians. Kurds, Baloch, Bakhtiari, and Hazara speak languages related to Farsi.

4. People and Languages Because the ethnicities of Iran and Afghanistan are so different, the cultural diversity is complex. Afghanistan’s main ethnic group is the Pastritan, which are tribes that speak Pushtu

5. Focus on Culture; Religion and Society Sunni choose their Imams, religious leaders, mainly to lead prayers. Shia only allow those related to Muhammad the prophet to be their Imams.

6. 90% of all Muslims are Sunnis, 10% are Shia. Sunni is found anywhere Islam is practiced. Shi’ism is only found in Iran, southern Iraq, Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon. Focus on Culture; Religion and Society

7. The Region Today Economic Development Oil and Gas Production are the main economic industries along the Persian Gulf. It is hard to farm the area because of the dry, rugged landscape. Barley and wheat are the most common crops.

8. Economic Development Bedouins are nomadic herders that move their camels, goats, or sheep when the seasons change. Modern manufacturing is limited but focuses on building materials, food products, and other supplies.

9. The Region Today Urban Environments Old- narrow streets for walking, market places called bazaar, and a neighborhood mosque near the city. New- air conditioned shopping malls, modern styled buildings, and cars are used.

10. The Region Today Governments, Issues, and Challenges Saudi Arabia is a vital member of OPEC (organization of Petroleum Exporting countries), which influences oil prices by controlling supply.

11. Government, Issues, and Challenges In 1979, Iran’s monarchy was ruled over by ayatollahs, religious leaders of the highest authority among Shia Muslims and is now a theocracy. Iraq was dictated by Saddam Hussein, who used the country’s oil revenues to build a large military.

12. Government, Issues, and Challenges Under Hussein’s rule, Iraq invaded Iran in 1980 and Kuwait in 1990 wanting oil. A group of countries led by the U.S. pushed back Iraqi forces in 1991, which was known as the Persian Gulf War.

13. In 2003, the U.S. led an invasion of Iraq, because of its continued resistance to inspections and violations of UN rules. The Iraqi forces were defeated and Saddam Hussein was captured Government, Issues, and Challenges

14. A group called the Taliban came to power in the 1990’s and were driven by an extreme version of Sunni Islam. The U.S. and allied forces attacked terrorist camps and Taliban military targets after September 11th (because they aided the terrorists)

15. A loyal jirga, a traditional council, with representatives from all ethnic groups was held in June 2002. Hamid Karzai was elected as Afghanistan’s president. The loyal jirga adopted a new presidential system of government with a parliament. Government, Issues, and Challenges

16. Now, women have more educational and economical opportunities. As a result, population growth rates are often high and large families are common The importance of oil in global trade has given the oil-rich countries much economic and political power