The Middle East In Transition Chapter 27

The Middle East In Transition Chapter 27

THEMES • Interest of Arab nations to end western domination. • Middle Eastern (ME) governments taking a strong role in economic development • Oil wealth divided in the M. E. between rich and poor nations • Effects of rapid urbanization and population growth. • Iran/Egypt/Turkeys routes toward modernization

Arab Nationalism • Following World War II • Newly independent ME countries • Reminded of great Arab Empires that had ruled the ME in the past.

Gamal Abdel Nasser • Restore Egyptian Nationalism • Nationalize Suez Canal • Symbolically ended European imperialism in the Middle East

Pan – Arabism • Unite ALL Arabs under common language and culture. • Opposition to western culture. – The Arab League of 1945

The Arab League • GOAL: • “draw closer the relations between member States and co-ordinate collaboration between them, to safeguard their independence and sovereignty, and to consider in a general way the affairs and interests of the Arab countries. ”

The Arab League • Why create it? – A unified Arab state would be a major world power. – Strong enough to end western domination. • QUESTIONS: – What are the benefits to Arab countries for creating the Arab League? – What are disadvantages of creating an Arab League? • (think in terms of the individual Arab state) – Given the goal of the Arab League, do you believe the Arab League could achieve its goal? Support your answer

Obstacles to Unity • State Nationalism – Loyalty to state over union • Each state pursues its own goals, not those of the union. – Diverse religious and ethnic groups opposed the union. – No geographic unity – Settlements scattered throughout – Economic gaps between rich and poor ME counties. • Created rivalries

Forms of Government • Following World War II: – Often “strongman rule” • Usually one identifiable leader with powerful influence over most governmental operations. • Dictators – Strong central government Nasser

Forms of Government • Most are Republics • Exceptions: • Saudi Arabia – King has absolute power • Jordan Abdul Aziz – Constitutional monarchy – Elected parliament (king holds most power)

Turkey & Israel • Multiparty States • Free elections • More political freedoms – Certain groups are denied rights

Islamic Law • Islam: – Past – used to be the religion and the basis for government. – Koran – Highest authority for Shariah • What is the highest authority in the United States? – Shariah – sacred law of Islam

Islamic Law • Shariah • Governs all aspects of Muslim life. – Sets rules for behavior in the following realms: • Political • Social • Economic

Critical Thinking • Consider if the United States was governed by the laws of the Koran/Bible/or Torah. • Choose one: • How would the laws of the United States be different? – How would life in the United States be different in the following realms: • Political • Social • Economic

Challenges to Stability • Variety of Sources: – Ethnic groups – Population growth and urbanization • Place strains on government – Widespread illiteracy; poverty • Conflict in Lebanon • CIVIL WAR – A conflict over ethnic/religious factions – Christian majority, Muslim minority. • Christians maintained control of key seats in government while in majority, but as the Muslim population grew, Christians did not want to peacefully surrender their power in government.

Islamic Fundamentalism • Reasons behind fundamentalism: • Middle East – Adopting western technology • Led to: – Adoption of elements of western culture – Replaced Islamic Law with law following western principals – Western music/schools/clothing/food – Some stopped veiling their faces

Islamic Fundamentalism • Demanded a return to traditional Islamic values, customs, and traditions as specified in the Koran. • Shariah must be the basis of law. • Authority restored to religious leaders. • Strict separation of men and women in public.

REVIEW • Identify: – Pan-Arabism – Shariah – Islamic Fundamentalism • Respond: • How were both Arab nationalism and Islamic fundamentalism a response to western domination? • What are some causes of instability in the Middle East? • What were obstacles to unity under the Arab League?

Changing Economic and Social Patterns

Economic Independence • Independence from European domination – Manufacturing – Oil • All controlled by Europe/West

Arab Socialism • Socialism – Government takes control of industry – Used by many Middle Eastern countries to take control of key industries. • Still relied heavily on west for technology and know -how.

Population Change • Rapid population growth • Problems: • Limited farmland • Limited water • Egypt – Tripled since 1962 – 17 million 58 Million (1993)

Developing Agriculture • Goal: • Increase water supply • • Tools: Irrigation Dams Desalinization – Converting sea water to fresh water for drinking • Ex. Aswan high Dam in Egypt

The Role of Oil • Middle East • 60% of the world’s oil reserves • Persian Gulf – Rich in oil • Kuwait • Iraq • Iran • Saudi Arabia • Libya

Oil • OPEC • Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries • Original members: – – – Iran Iraq Saudi Arabia Kuwait Venezuela

OPEC • What does it do? – Sets oil prices – Decides how much oil to produce – – – Cost of a Barrel of Oil: $2 1960’s $14 1970’s $44 1980’s $150 (July 2008) $41 Today

OPEC • Prices: – Effect the world economy – Can be used as a political weapon • Israel ( 1973 )

OPEC

Two Wars in the Persian Gulf • Iran – Iraq War (1980 -88) • Sadam Hussein (Sunni) invaded Iran • Iran supported Iraqi Shiites • Key factor : Oil – Ended by UN Cease-fire with neither side achieving its goals • U. S. Response: • Sent in warships to the gulf to protect oil tankers

Persian Gulf War • Iraq (1991) • In debt from war with Iran • Invades Kuwait – Why? • Claimed it belonged to Iraq • Rich oil fields to pay off debt • United Nations, led by the United States, pushed Iraqi forces out of Kuwait.

ESSAY • Explain the strategic significance of the Middle East. Consider the following in your essay: – Natural resources – Geographic location – Transportation – Religion