Middle East Regents Review

Geography of the Middle East

From the southern and western part of Asia through northern Africa. Characterized by primarily deserts and significant trade routes.

The Ottoman Empire

The Ottoman Empire was ruled by an absolute monarch known as the sultan. This empire was diverse and initially promoted talented individuals but later faced challenges due to rising nationalism.

Decline of the Ottoman Empire

Internal revolts from various groups seeking power, weak and corrupt leadership, and the failure of the Tanzimat reforms.

Young Turks

Sought to create a modern state more aligned with Turkish roots. Their rise led to a constitutional government in Turkey and the Armenian Genocide.

The Armenian Genocide

An early human rights violation where Turks targeted Christian Armenians due to religious and ethnic differences, fearing they would aid the Russians. Methods included killings, forced marches, and early uses of gas chambers.

Kemal Ataturk

Known as the Father of Turkish Nationalism, he implemented Westernization, secularization, and industrialization in Turkey.

The Mandate System

A system put in place after Europe promised self-determination, where European nations ran mandates (colonies) until the areas could govern themselves.

Balfour Declaration

A promise by England to create a country for Jewish people, leading to Zionism and increased Jewish migration to British-mandated Palestine.

Zionism

A movement supporting the creation of a Jewish homeland, triggered by the Balfour Declaration.

The Creation of Israel

Created after WW2 due to global sentiment following the Holocaust and rising antisemitism; formerly the British-run Palestinian mandate.

The Cold War in the Middle East

The US and the Soviet Union sought to influence Middle Eastern governments. Examples include Egypt using the USSR for independence, US backing Israel, and interventions in Iran and Iraq for oil interests.

Mujahideen

Islamic guerilla fighters supported by the US against Russia in Afghanistan during the Soviet invasion; some members later formed the Taliban.

Taliban

A fundamentalist political movement that currently rules Afghanistan; had brief ties with the Mujahideen and Osama Bin Laden.

The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Origins

Following World War 2, both Israel and Palestine were created, leading to immediate conflict as both groups claimed the same territory.

West Bank

Territory claimed by Palestinians where Israeli law applies. The PLO serves as the government, but Israeli soldiers operate in the area.

Gaza

A small, self-ruling area with millions of people. Post-war, Israel aims to regain control. It is also the base of Hamas operations

Hamas

A Palestinian political organization considered a terrorist organization by the West, which attacked Jewish settlements around Gaza, leading to the current war.

Intifadas

Uprisings by Palestinians against Israel, aimed at creating a unified Palestinian state under the leadership of Yassir Arafat and the PLO.

Yassir Arafat

Nationalist leader of the PLO who sought to create a unified Palestinian state.

Palestinian Liberation Organization

Nationalist organization that aimed to create a unified Palestinian state and achieve independence.

Cultural Struggles: Iran

Conservative Islamic forces struggle against modern influences, as seen in Iran's shift from a Western-backed king to a theocratic state under Ayatollah Khomeini.

Economic Power: Oil

Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries; uses Oil to provide economic power to some Middle Eastern nations, such as the Oil Embargo against the US leading to gas shortages and restrictions.

Arab Spring

National democratic movements struggling against military dictatorships, leading to unrest and civil wars, such as in Syria.