History of the Middle East

Why is the Middle East so important to World & U.S. History?

• It is considered the "Cradle of Civilization" and biologists believe modern man originally expanded from this area to inhabit the globe.

• The Middle East has supplied the world with 3 different religions that dominate civilized culture. They include Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

• Ancient Phoenicians originated from the Middle East. The letters from many languages around the world use their alphabet as a form of written communication.

• All of the answer choices are correct.

Which individual conquered much of the Middle East and brought a sense of unity to the area under the religion of Islam?

• Ghengis Khan

• Mohammad

• Osman

• Constantine the Great

After the fall of the Ottoman Empire after WW1, all of the following European countries colonized the Middle East EXCEPT

• Great Britain

• France

• Italy

• Norway

Current struggles of the Middle East are due in part to a split in the Islamic religion at the death of Muhammad. What two factions came from the split and which is the current majority?

• Islam & Muslim - Muslim is the current majority

• Islam & Muslim - Islam is the current majority

• Sunni & Shi'ite - Sunni is the current majority

• Sunni & Shi'ite - Shi'ite is the current majority

Which Middle Eastern country was never fully colonized by European powers?

• Iran

• Iraq

• Afghanistan

• Saudi Arabia

What natural resource can be found in the Middle East that is considered highly valuable?

• Diamonds

• Oil

• Gold

• Uranium

Why did many in the Middle East see the Taliban as heroes initally?

• They pushed out foreign countries and restored power to the people.

• They put down horrific rebel groups, armed by the U.S. when they were fighting Soviet rule in Afghanistan that afterward turned on the people and started civil wars.

• They helped form an alliance between Iraq & Iran to renew jihad, or the Holy War, between Muslims & Christians began during the crusades.

• None of these answers are correct.

Why is there such conflict over Israel and the West Bank?

• Israel and the West Bank were carved out of Pakistan during the negotiations following WWII. Most Middle Eastern countries disagreed with the formation of Israel.

• Israel is supported by the U.S. and other capitalist countries while Pakistan and other Middle Eastern countries that oppose Israel are supported by Russia (formerly the communist USSR). The tension and conflict are residual from the Cold War.

• There is no conflict.

• Israel and the West Bank were carved out of Egypt during the negotiations following WWII. Most Middle Eastern countries disagreed with the formation of Israel.

Why is the U.S. involved in Middle Eastern affairs?

• Coming out of World War II, American strategists resolved that the United States must prevent any hostile force from dominating a region of critical geopolitical or geo-economic significance. The Middle East, with its vast oil reserves, fit that description.

• Since the 1970s, America has had a critical interest in preventing or combating international terrorism, much of which emerges from the Middle East. This was made a priority after the 9/11 attacks by al Qaeda.

• During the late 1970s and 1980s, the United States built up the military capabilities necessary to prevent the Soviet Union (or perhaps a hostile Iran) from dominating the region. During the Iran-Iraq War, the Reagan administration supported Saddam Hussein as a bulwark against Communist influence.Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990 prompted a massive, U.S.-led intervention to restore the regional balance of power, as well as a persistent post-conflict military presence to keep an eye on Saddam’s wounded but still dangerous regime.

• After the United States left Iraq in 2011, the state nearly collapsed, ISIS surged to prominence, and an emergency military intervention—which has now lasted nearly five years—was needed to repair the damage.

• All the options presented are correct.