Tensions in the Middle East

• What designation did Israel give to Palestinian civil society groups?

  Terrorists
• What claim did the Taliban make regarding Afghanistan?

  They control the entire country
• How many Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 7?

  40,223
• What is the current situation in Yemen?

  It is devastated by civil war
• What happened to the Iraqi PM recently?

  He survived a drone attack
• What crimes are associated with Hamas-led groups since October 7?

  Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes
• What significant action did Trump take regarding Jerusalem?

  Recognized it as Israel's capital
• What are the main sources of tensions in the Middle East?

  • Political tensions
  • Cultural tensions
  • Economic tensions
  • Geopolitical relations
  • Vital energy resources
• What is the status of parts of the state of Israel?

  Heavily disputed
• What do many Arab states desire regarding Palestine?

  Creation of a Palestinian state
• How does US support for Israel affect its influence in the Arab world?

  It struggles to maintain positive influence
• Why was Trump's announcement in 2018 politically charged?

  Eastern Jerusalem is claimed by Palestinians
• What is significant about Jerusalem?

  It has holy sites for three religions
• What cultural tensions exist in Iran?

  Ethnic, religious, and historic tribal differences
• What percentage of Iranians are Shia Muslims?

  Over 90%
• What percentage of Iraqis are Shia Muslims?

  Over 60%
• What is a significant source of conflict in the Middle East?

  The Sunni-Shia divide
• What are the main factors contributing to the Sunni-Shia divide?

  • Ethnic differences
  • Religious differences
  • Historic tribal differences
  • Political ambitions
• How do Iran and Saudi Arabia interact in the context of regional power struggles?

  They support opposing sides in conflicts
• What has the rise of jihadist groups like ISIS caused?

  Significant instability in the region
• What is at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

  The dispute over land
• What historical event is central to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

  The 1967 Six-Day War
• What significant event occurred on October 7, 2023?

  A Hamas terrorist attack on Israel
• What initiated the Syrian Civil War in 2011?

  A civil uprising against Bashar al-Assad
• What role do Russia and Iran play in the Syrian Civil War?

  They support the Assad regime
• What is the Kurdish people's aspiration?

  Autonomy or independence
• In which countries are the Kurdish people spread?

  Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Syria
• What has heightened tensions with the establishment of Kurdish regions?

  Central governments' opposition
• What are the main resource conflicts in the Middle East?

  • Oil and gas control
  • Competition for oil wealth
  • Control over oil supply routes
  • Water scarcity issues
• What is the significance of the Strait of Hormuz?

  It is a critical oil supply route
• What has been a major consequence of the US invasion of Iraq in 2003?

  Controversial military presence and instability
• What did Russia do in the Syrian Civil War?

  Supported the Assad regime
• How does the Iran-Saudi rivalry manifest in the region?

  Through proxy wars in various countries
• What were the outcomes of the Arab Spring?

  • Widespread protests and revolutions
  • Overthrow of some regimes
  • Increased instability in several countries
  • Protracted civil wars in Syria, Libya, Yemen
• What is Arab nationalism?

  • A movement for unity among Arab states
  • Opposition to Western imperialism
  • Influence has waned in recent years
• What is Turkish nationalism under President Erdoğan?

  • Assertive policies in the region
  • Military actions against Kurdish groups
  • Involvement in Libya
• What are the economic challenges in the Middle East?

  • High unemployment rates
  • Economic inequalities
  • Lack of political freedom
  • Youth unemployment fueling unrest
• Which countries did the EU members UK and France influence after WW1?

  Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Tunisia, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia
• What was the outcome of the Sykes-Picot Agreement?

  Carved up Ottoman Empire's territories
• What did the Balfour Declaration express support for?

  A national home for the Jewish people