1. Middle East

2. Current Issues The Middle East is the crossroads of many different cultures. The Middle East is the crossroads of many different cultures. Islam dominates the area. Islam dominates the area. Israel stands alone! Israel stands alone! OIL OIL

4. Iraq October 1932 October 1932 dominated by Oil Sector dominated by Oil Sector Iran-Iraq War, 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq War, 1980-1988 Ruled by Saddam Hussein until 2003 Ruled by Saddam Hussein until 2003 Gulf War 1991 Gulf War 1991 The US invades in March 2003 The US invades in March 2003

5. Iran April 1979 April 1979 Islamic, religious government Islamic, religious government Cracks down on any who do not follow strict, Islamic rules about morality and behavior Cracks down on any who do not follow strict, Islamic rules about morality and behavior Oil revenue Oil revenue In 1979, seized US embassy to force US from Iran In 1979, seized US embassy to force US from Iran Suspected to sponsor terrorist cells Suspected to sponsor terrorist cells Trying to develop nuclear weapons, against the orders of the UN Trying to develop nuclear weapons, against the orders of the UN

6. Saudi Arabia September 1932 September 1932 Ruled by monarchy (Faud Family) Ruled by monarchy (Faud Family) Oil based economy Oil based economy Allowed Western troops (including US) to base in Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War Allowed Western troops (including US) to base in Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War Attacked by terrorists in 2003 Attacked by terrorists in 2003 May allow terrorists to operate within its borders May allow terrorists to operate within its borders

7. Afghanistan August 1919 August 1919 Islamic government, led by Taliban until 2002 Islamic government, led by Taliban until 2002 Soviet Invasion, 1979 Soviet Invasion, 1979 Many civil wars disrupts economy and education Many civil wars disrupts economy and education Lots of opium farms makes drug lords (who are often terrorists) rich Lots of opium farms makes drug lords (who are often terrorists) rich US led forces invaded after 9/11 US led forces invaded after 9/11

8. Israel Created as a homeland for the Jews after WWII (May 1948) Created as a homeland for the Jews after WWII (May 1948) Well supported by the West Well supported by the West Constant Arab invasions Constant Arab invasions Constant conflict with Palestinians Constant conflict with Palestinians