1. History of the Middle East “The Extras”

2. The Arab League Definition: an organization of 22 Middle Eastern and African nations where Arabic is the spoken language that promotes political, economic, cultural, and social relations among members Additional Information: founded in 1945 council of representatives from member states work to settle disputes peacefully has had difficulty living up to goals ARABSAT (satellite systems)

4. O.P.E.C. Definition: an association of 12 countries that depend heavily on oil exports for their incomes and work together to increase revenue from oil exports. Additional Information: founded in 1960 by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela OPEC nations produce 40% of world’s oil OPEC nations possess 70% of world’s oil OPEC have a direct impact on world oil prices along with: world conflict, global demand, and stock market speculation

6. Iran-Iraq War Began Sept. 22, 1980 when Iraqi President Saddam Hussein orders invasion of Iran Ended Aug. 20, 1988 with a cease-fire agreement Additional Information: longest war between two nations in the 1900’s Reasons for the war: - Iraq thought Iran was in a weak state - Iraq (and other Arab nations) feared Iran’s Shiite revolution - Iran and Iraq had territorial disputes - Iraq saw a chance to control Iran’s oil

8. The Persian Gulf War Began in response to President Saddam Hussein and Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait on Aug.2, 1990 U.N. coalition bombing began Jan. 17, 1991 Coalition forces launched ground attack into Kuwait and Southern Iraq in February U.N. coalition ended military operations Feb. 28, 1991 Additional Information: first international crisis after Cold War tested U.S. and Russia’s ability to cooperate split Arab world between Iraq & Coalition Results in Iraq: environmental issues, refugees, casualties, revolts, economic hardships

10. The Iraq War Began March 2003 when the U.S. and coalition of 39 nations launched an invasion of Iraq Mid-April 2003 Saddam Hussein and Iraq’s govt. fell U.S. President George W. Bush ends combat operations May 1, 2003 Operation Iraqi Freedom: May 2003 to August 2010 2004 Sunni violence against Shia Iraqi govt. and U.S. forces 2007 U.S. adds troop build- up Aug. 31, 2010 U.S. ends combat operations Dec. 31, 2011 U.S. troops expect to leave Iraq

12. Terrorism

13. Arab Spring