The Middle East Prisoners of Geography

What did the Europeans do to the Middle East’s borders?

They simply drew lines and borders that did not exist, causing conflict in the area.

What does the term Sykes-Picot mean?

It is a shorthand for the various decisions made in the first third of the twentieth century, which betrayed many of the countries in the middle East and has caused lots of the conflict we see today. 

Conflict between Sunni and Shia Muslims?

The prophet Muhammad died and this led to a dispute over his succession. Sunni think that successor should be chosen using traditions and Shia believe it is their birthright.

What population dominates Iran? What about Saudi Arabia? 

The Shia dominate Iran and the Sunni dominate Saudi Arabia

What is the conflicts with the Kurds?

The Kurds see themselves as one people without a country; the countries they live in see them as separatists threatening national unity. They were promised a country in the Treaty of Sèvres, but that was reversed later. 

Where is Mesopotamia?

In between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers.

What is happening in Islam that is causing conflict.

Shia-Sunni divide

What is DAESH?

it is an acronym and the reason it was invented is because Islamic State members hate the term. 

What is the middle East gifted in?

oil. 

What is the Jihadist conflict?

The Middle East’s deserts, mountains, and porous borders make many areas hard to govern, giving jihadist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS places to hide and operate.

What was the Palestine and Isreal conflict

Jewish people moved to Palestine and the Arabs did not like them, so they tried to make a separate state. The Jews said yes, but the Arabs said no and the outcome was war. 

What geographical features is Iran characterized by?

Mountains, deserts, oil reserves, salt flats, etc

What is happening with Turkey?

It is in a strategic place for trade, but its geography limits its ambitions. 

Are the Arab countries really democratic?

Only in name, they are routinely known for their prejudices, hatreds, etc.