Arab Crisis - Collapse of the Soviet Union

Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO)

• Founded in 1964 to represent the Palestinian people and seek an independent Palestinian state.

• Led for many years by Yasser Arafat.

Six-Day War

• A 1967 war between Israel and neighboring Arab states lasting six days.

• Israel captured territories including the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Sinai Peninsula.

Resolution 242

• UN resolution passed after the Six-Day War calling for Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories.

• Emphasized “land for peace” between Israel and Arab nations.

Yom Kippur War

• Surprise attack on Israel by Egypt and Syria in 1973 during the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur.

• Led to increased peace negotiations in the Middle East.

 Camp David Accords

• Peace agreement between Egypt and Israel brokered by Jimmy Carter.

• Resulted in Egypt recognizing Israel officially.

 Balfour Declaration

• British statement supporting a Jewish homeland in Palestine.

• Increased tensions between Jewish and Arab communities in the region.

Prague Spring (1986)

• Reform movement in Czechoslovakia promoting greater freedom and less Soviet control.

• Crushed by Soviet-led military invasion in 1968.

Reagan

• U.S. president from 1981–1989 known for strong anti-communist policies.

• Increased military spending and pressured the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

Glasnots

• Policy introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev allowing more openness and freedom of speech.

• Encouraged public discussion of problems in the Soviet Union.

Perestroika

• Economic restructuring policy introduced by Gorbachev in the 1980s.

• Attempted to modernize and reform the Soviet economy.

Mikhail Gorbachev

• Last leader of the Soviet Union from 1985–1991.

• Introduced glasnost and perestroika, helping end the Cold War.