The Middle East in Transition: Questions for U.S. Policy

Practice flashcards covering the historical and political transition of the Middle East, focusing on U.S. policy, the creation of Israel, and major conflicts like the Six-Day War and the October War.

Why did British and Soviet troops jointly occupy Iran in $1941$?

To block German forces from entering and falling into the hands of Nazi Germany.

In $1940$, what percentage of the world's oil was produced by the United States compared to the Middle East?

The United States produced $63\%$ while the Middle East produced less than $5\%$.

Which U.S. President began providing aid to the Saudi monarchy in $1943$?

President Franklin Roosevelt

What was the original name of ARAMCO before it changed in $1944$?

SOCAL (Standard Oil of California)

What is the meaning of the Hebrew word 'Zion'?

The land of Israel

Which Zionist leader stated in $1919$ that Palestine was necessary to avoid extermination?

Chaim Weizmann

What was the purpose of the Balfour Declaration issued by Britain in $1917$?

To pledge help in establishing 'a national home' for Jews in Palestine.

What promise did Great Britain make to Sharif Hussein, the ruler of Mecca, during World War I?

They promised to help set up an independent Arab state across all Arab areas of the Ottoman Empire in exchange for a rebellion against the Ottomans.

How many Jews were put to death by the Nazis during the Holocaust?

$$6,000,000$$

In $1947$, to which international body did Britain turn over responsibility for the Palestine mandate?

The United Nations (UN)

Which five Arab states invaded Israel the day after it declared independence in May $1948$?

Egypt, Syria, Transjordan (now Jordan), Lebanon, and Iraq

What was the result of the $1949$ truce regarding Palestinian land?

Zionists seized a large portion of the land designated for Palestinians; Transjordan absorbed the West Bank, and Egypt held the Gaza Strip.

What specific foreign aid package did the Truman Doctrine announce in $1947$?

A $400,000,000$ foreign aid package to Turkey and Greece to resist Soviet communism.

Which leader emerged in Egypt after a $1952$ coup and campaigned for 'pan-Arabism'?

Gamal Abd al-Nasser

What was 'pan-Arabism'?

The unification of Arabs into a single state.

What military equipment did President John F. Kennedy approve for sale to Israel in $1962$?

Advanced anti-aircraft missiles

What were the immediate causes of the Six-Day War in $1967$?

Nasser ordered the withdrawal of UN peacekeepers from the Sinai Peninsula and closed the Suez Canal to Israeli ships.

What territories did Israel overrun during the Six-Day War?

The Sinai Peninsula, the Old City of Jerusalem, the West Bank, and the Golan Heights.

Who came to power in Egypt in $1970$ with the priority of regaining the Sinai Peninsula?

Anwar al-Sadat

Which conflict began with a surprise two-front offensive against Israel on Yom Kippur in $1973$?

The October War

Why did Arab states initiate an oil embargo against the United States in $1973$?

As a response to U.S. military support for Israel during the October War.

What was the price of oil per barrel by the end of $1973$ following the panic?

$\$17$ a barrel

Which U.S. Secretary of State was known for 'shuttle diplomacy' to end the fighting between Israel, Egypt, and Syria?

Henry Kissinger

What were the three leaders involved in the $1978$ Camp David Accords?

President Jimmy Carter, Egyptian President Anwar al-Sadat, and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin

What was the key outcome of the Camp David Accords for Egypt and Israel?

Egypt became the first Arab country to recognize Israel, and in exchange, Israel withdrew from the Sinai Peninsula.