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Southwest Asia The Middle East Empire States North Africa Why the Middle East Matters http://youtu.be/OQ2Cycw2P4Y http://youtu.be/2wNTZ7f5yHg http://rt.com/news/226147-seven-facts-king-abdullah/ Ancient History The “cradle of civilization” The Fertile Crescent Origin of the three great monotheistic faiths –Judaism –Christianity –Islam 16 Countries in Modern Southwest Asia Some as: from ancient empires such – Persia (Iran) – Ottoman (Turkey) Others as a result of the post WWI break up of colonialism: – Saudi Arabia – Iraq – Israel (post WWII) Physical Geography A region dominated by arid and semi-arid climates. River valleys (exotic rivers) have been significant to development and a source of potential conflict. Deserts dominate large areas Numerous rugged mountain ranges Centrality A geographic realm lying at the heart of three continents. Unmatched accessibility to the world Sea and land routes are many And Oil, Lots of Oil!! 77% of the worlds known oil supplies 25% in Saudi Arabia alone The other Big 4 are: Kuwait Iraq Iran United Arab Emirates Who are these people? A multi-cultural and multi-lingual region that is dominated by Arabs. Countries and regions that are non- Arab are significant Persians – Iran (Farsi speaking) Jews – Israel (Hebrew speaking) Turks – Turkey (Turkish) Afghans (multiple tribes and languages Who are the Arabs? A group of people with a largely nomadic past, now spread out all over and around the Arabian peninsula. Arab Identity Clan and family was their primary identity until the 20th century. Still is in some areas. Arabic speaking 99% Muslim (followers of Islam) Remember: Almost all Arabs are Muslim, but most Muslims are not Arab. http://show.mappingworlds.com/world/?subject=RELIMUSLIM So what countries are Arab? Saudi Arabia Iraq Jordan Syria Lebanon Oman Bahrain Kuwait Yemen UAE Qatar Morocco Egypt Libya Algeria Tunisia Complex Political situation Radical Islam threatens countries and groups of people in the region. Israel’s existence has been fought since it’s birth in 1948 Unstable dictators still hold power in some countries Revolutions in 2010-11 have shaken the region. Still ongoing. Stateless nations are fighting for recognition Sunni and Shia divide Global involvement in securing oil