Middle East Quiz Study Guide

Zionism

Zionism

an international movement (originally) for the establishment of a Jewish national/religious community in Palestine and (later) for the support of modern Israel.

Arab revolt of 1936

Lots of Jewish people moved into Palestine since they needed a place to live. Palestinians didn’t like that, thought that land was going to be given to Jewish people and they would lose control of their land. Tried to fight the British to get control back but ended up losing.

War of Independence (1948)

Right after Israel was established. Fought for the land that the United Nations gave them. A coalition of Arab nations (Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon) attacked Israel. Israel won.

Suez Crisis

When Nasser took over the Suez canal causing an issue with Britain and France. So bad that the U.S had to step in to help

Six Day War

Israel vs Arab countries (Egypt, Syria, and Jordan). Israel won, gaining the Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, West Bank, Old City of Jerusalem, and Golan Heights.

Un Resolution 242

Land for Peace,” Israel promised to relinquish control of Occupied Territories in exchange for international recognition.

Palestine Liberation Organization

Founded in 1964, made in order to bring various Palestinian groups together under one organization,

Camp David Accords

Peace agreement between Israel and Egypt, first to recognize Israel’s right to exist

Hamas

Palestinian fundamentalist organization, formed in late 1980s to fight for Palestinian independence.

Intifada

The Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, beginning in 1987.

Oslo Accords

Agreement between Israel and PLO - withdrawal of the Israeli military from Palestinian territories.

OPEC

Large supplier of oil reserves. Stands for Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.

Menachem Begin

Israeli Prime Minister, won Nobel peace prize for bringing peace between Egypt and Israel.

Gamal Nasser

Leader of Egypt 1956-1970

• Nationalized the Suez canal, led to the Suez Crisis. Promoted pan-Arabism. Unification of Arab states in MIddle East, North Africa.

Yasir Arafat

Leader of PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization)

• Initially fought with Israel, eventually agreed with Resolution 242

Anwar Sadat

Leader of Egypt 1970-1981

• Camp David Accords - peace agreement between Israel and Egypt, first to recognize Israel’s right to exist

• Was shot by military personnel

President Jimmy Carter

In the Middle East, through the Camp David agreement of 1978, he helped bring amity between Egypt and Israel. He succeeded in obtaining ratification of the Panama Canal treaties.

Yitzak Rabin

Prime MInister of Israel 1992-95

• Oslo Accords - agreement between Israel and PLO

Mohammad Reza Pahlavi

Returned Shah ruled with an iron hand until 1979.

Ayatollah Khomeini

Shah fled amidst revolution in 1979, Ayatollah Khomeini ascended to power.

• Spiritual leader of the Revolution of ‘79, established theocracy, proponent of Muslim fundamentalism

Saddam Hussein

Lead Iraq from 1979-2003. Invaded Kuwait for oil and resources, starting the first Gulf War. Was overthrown during Second Gulf War and killed by US; lead by Bush.