Arab Crisis - Collapse of the Soviet Union

Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO)

Political and military organization founded in 1964 to represent Palestinians and seek an independent Palestinian state.

Six-Day War (1967)

Brief war in which Israel defeated Egypt, Jordan, and Syria, gaining control of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula, and Golan Heights.

Resolution 242

United Nations resolution after the Six-Day War calling for Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories and recognition of all states' right to exist peacefully

Yom Kippur War (1973)

Surprise attack by Egypt and Syria against Israel during the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur; ended with a ceasefire and renewed peace efforts.

Camp David Accords

Peace agreement between Israel and Egypt, brokered by U.S. President Jimmy Carter, leading to the first peace treaty between Israel and an Arab nation.

Balfour Declaration

British statement supporting the establishment of a national homeland for the Jewish people in Palestine.

Prague Spring (1968)

Reform movement in Czechoslovakia that sought greater political freedom; crushed by Soviet-led military intervention.

Ronald Reagan

U.S. president (1981–1989) who increased pressure on the Soviet Union through military buildup and anti-communist policies.

Glasnost

Soviet policy meaning “openness,” allowing greater freedom of speech, press, and public discussion.

Perestroika

Soviet policy of economic and political restructuring aimed at improving the struggling Soviet system.

Mikhail Gorbachev

Mikhail Gorbachev who introduced Glasnost and Perestroika, helping end the Cold War but contributing to the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991.