SW Asia U.S. Presence and Interest in SW Asia (SS7H2d)

Which of the following best describes the U.S. interest in maintaining a military presence in the Persian Gulf region?

• To support local governments against democratic movements

• To gain direct control over oil fields

• To ensure the free flow of oil and security in the region

• To prepare for an invasion of neighboring countries

Answer explanation

The U.S. maintains a military presence in the Persian Gulf primarily to ensure the free flow of oil and regional security, which are vital for global economic stability and to protect its interests.

What was the primary reason for the United Nations' intervention in the Persian Gulf War of 1990-1991?

• To support Iraq's invasion of Kuwait

• To repel Iraq's invasion of Kuwait

• To promote democracy in the Middle East

• To control the global oil supply

Answer explanation

The primary reason for the UN's intervention in the Persian Gulf War was to repel Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, which violated international law and threatened regional stability.

Following the events of September 11, 2001, which country did the United States and its allies first invade as part of the War on Terror?

• Iran

• Iraq

• Afghanistan

• Syria

Answer explanation

Following the September 11 attacks, the U.S. and its allies invaded Afghanistan in October 2001 to dismantle al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power, marking the beginning of the War on Terror.

Which of the following is NOT a reason for U.S. involvement in Southwest Asian affairs since 1975?

• threats to the security of U.S. allies

• the importance of a stable petroleum market

• the growth of Islamic fundamentalism in the region

• industrial pollution associated with the region's rapid growth

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'industrial pollution associated with the region's rapid growth' because it is not a primary reason for U.S. involvement in Southwest Asia, unlike security threats, petroleum stability, and Islamic fundamentalism.

Average Monthly Number of U.S. Soldiers in Afghanistan, 2002–2008

Which option contributed to the trend shown on this graph?

• A military response to a terrorist attack

• A desire to stop the spread of communism

• The development of weapons of mass destruction

• The resurgence of ethnic cleansing policies

Answer explanation

The trend in the graph reflects the increase in U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan as a direct military response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, leading to the War on Terror.

Read the quotation from a speech delivered by president George H.W. Bush in August of 1990. Then answer the question that follows. "Four simple principles guide our policy. First, we seek the immediate, unconditional, and complete withdrawal of all Iraqi forces from Kuwait. Second, Kuwait's legitimate government must be restored to replace the puppet regime. And third, my administration, as has been the case with every president from President Roosevelt to President Reagan, is committed to the security and stability of the Persian Gulf. And fourth, I am determined to protect the lives of American citizens abroad." This quotation references the events that led directly to which conflict?

• the Iran-Iraq War

• the Iraq War

• the Persian Gulf War

• the Soviet-Afghan War

Answer explanation

The quotation outlines the U.S. response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, which directly led to the Persian Gulf War. The focus on withdrawal of Iraqi forces and restoring Kuwait's government confirms this conflict.

Why did the United States invade Afghanistan in 2001?

• the Taliban government possessed weapons of mass destruction

• the Taliban government was guilty of many human rights violations

• the Taliban government refused to extradite terrorist leader Osama bin Laden to the United States

• the Taliban government ordered the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks

Answer explanation

The United States invaded Afghanistan in 2001 primarily because the Taliban government refused to extradite Osama bin Laden, the terrorist leader responsible for the September 11 attacks, to the U.S.

What was the main objective of the U.S. led coalition in the First Gulf War of 1991?

• To prevent the spread of communism in the Middle East

• To ensure the withdrawal of Iraqi forces from Kuwait

• To establish a new government in Iraq

• To dismantle nuclear weapons in the region

Answer explanation

The main objective of the U.S. led coalition in the First Gulf War was to ensure the withdrawal of Iraqi forces from Kuwait, following Iraq's invasion in 1990. This goal was central to the coalition's military actions.

What was one of the significant objectives of the U.S. intervention in Afghanistan following the 9/11 attacks?

• To foster democratic governments in the Middle East

• To eliminate the Taliban and al-Qaeda's influence in the region

• To establish trade agreements with Middle Eastern countries

• To investigate the origins of the 9/11 attacks

Answer explanation

One of the significant objectives of the U.S. intervention in Afghanistan was to eliminate the Taliban and al-Qaeda's influence in the region, as they were responsible for the 9/11 attacks and posed a threat to global security.

What is a primary goal of U.S. policy in Southwest Asia?

• to enhance technological innovation

• to ensure the stability and security of oil supplies

• to promote democratic governments

• to ensure the stability and security of oil supplies and fight against terrorism

Answer explanation

The primary goal of U.S. policy in Southwest Asia is to ensure the stability and security of oil supplies and fight against terrorism, as these factors are crucial for national security and economic interests.