History of SW Asia

Today, in the Middle East there are many conflicts that stem from where the boundaries of the countries are drawn. Many boundaries either include groups that have historically opposed each other or split groups with commonalities into different countries. This problem is largely a consequence of 

• treaties that came after World War II. 
• the natural distribution of resources in the region
• the way Europe divided the region after the fall of the Ottoman Empire. 
• interference from North America and East Asia as they battled for control of the region. 

During and after World War II many surviving Jews were looking for somewhere to relocate and start a new life. Many decided to immigrate to Palestine and the land of their religious connection. Eventually, this immigration, along with Zionist conflicts with England led to which major world event? 

• The beginning of the Holocaust. 
• The creation of the State of Israel
• The dropping of the atomic bomb. 
• The breakup of the Ottoman Empire. 

Which statement best describes the Persian Gulf Conflict of 1990-1991? 

• The United States defended Kuwait against invasion from Iraq. 
• Iraq and Afghanistan combined forces against Russia. 
• The United States sent troops to Afghanistan to fight Al-Qaida. 
• Iraq and Iran were battling for control of OPEC. 

In regards to the U.S. Military, Afghanistan and Iraq are similar in that both 

• have been completely conquered by the United States. 
• have experienced a high presence of U.S. military forces. 
• offer full support to the U.S. military, which no other country does. 
• assist the U.S. military when they invade places like Iran and Kuwait.

Which statement best describes how the Middle East's vast supply of oil has affected the history of the region since the 1950s?

•  It has lowered the standard of living in the region. 
•  It has encouraged the growth of democracy in the region. 
•    It has slowed down the process of industrialization in the region. 
•    It has encouraged foreigners to compete for influence in the region.

The State of Israel was established in May, 1948, to provide a homeland for the Jewish people. One of the reasons behind the establishment of the State of Israel was

• the French Mandate system.
• the Zionist movement in Europe
• a vote by the people of Palestine.
• a requirement of the Treaty of Versailles.

Use the quote to answer the question below “If the Arabs put down their weapons today there would be no more violence. If the Jews put down their weapons today there would be no more Israel.”   - -------Benjamin Netanyahu
What does the quote above imply about conflict in the Middle East? 

• The conflict centers around land and religion. 
• The Jews are to blame for conflict in the Middle East. 
• Jews and Arabs are only part of the problem. 
• If there were no weapons, there would be no conflict.

Which answer most accurately completes the following sentence: “In Southwest Asia (Middle East), land and religion are major sources of ________.” 

• aid 
• water 
• conflict 
• agreement

How did European involvement in Southwest Asia impact the region after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire?

• Many Europeans immigrated to Southwest Asia.
•  Countries in Southwest Asia modeled their governments on European governments.
• Political borders were decided by European powers without consideration of the political and historic connections in the region.
• European powers presence in Southwest Asia established a long period of peace and improved relations with non-Muslim western nations.

What three major religions have their origins in the Middle East?

• Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism
• Judaism, Christianity, Islam
• Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism
• Buddhism, Shintoism, Hinduism