Overview of Middle Eastern Countries Syria o o

Overview of Middle Eastern Countries

Syria o o Part of Ottoman Empire until 1918 French and British take over until 1947 Independence led to Civil War / Internal Conflict Ethnic and Religious divisions – 60% Arab Sunni Muslim, 11% Alawites Shia Muslims, 9% Arab Christians, 8% Kurdish Sunni Muslims

Syria Civil War o o o 1970 – Present Country ruled by Alawites Shia Muslims – Bashir Al Assad dictatorship Arab Spring began in 2010 Civil War- Sunni Rebels rise up against Assad regime Atrocities committed by both sides Civil War continues

Radical Political Groups and Militant/Insurgent Groups o o o Hezbollah- Radical Shiite group founded by Iranians influencing Lebanon, Syria, and Iran Hamas- Extremist Sunni group involved in acts of terror and politics pushing for Palestinian Nation Al-Qaeda- Extremist Sunni Terrorist organization with cells throughout the world Taliban- Strict group of Sunni Muslims controlling parts of Afghanistan ISIS / ISIL- Islamic State of Iraq and the Syria /Levant. Extremist Wahhabi Sunni Group

Afghanistan o o “A place where empires go to die. ” Ethnic / religious divisions Difficult terrain and climate Long history of conflict

Political Unrest in Afghanistan o o o Towards end of Cold War 1979 invasion by Soviet Union U. S. covertly backs Mujahideen- Strict Islamic group of Afghani rebels About 5 -6 separate rebel Afghani groups 1989 Mujahideen with CIA backing forces Soviet Union out Vacuum of power led to ethnic conflict / civil war

Foreign Assistance to Afghanistan o o o U. S. Funding provided with help of Congressman Charlie Wilson Money and weapons funneled through Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan (keep it a Cold War) Saudis including Bin Laden go to Afghanistan for Jihad Saudis matched U. S. financial aid with private and gov’t spending Aid went directly to President Zia of Pakistan and ISI (Pakistan’s version of FBI and CIA)

War in Afghanistan o o o 1996 Bin Laden moves to Afghanistan 1998 Taliban emerges from Civil War as government Taliban aided by Bin Laden and Al Qaeda 9/9/01 Ahmad Shah Massoud (moderate) assassinated by Taliban 9/11 attacks planned in Afghanistan 2001 Taliban shelters Bin Laden after 9/11

Current Conflict in Afghanistan o o o 2001 Taliban shelters Osama bin Laden and other members of Al. Qaeda October 2001 U. S. forces invade and help establish new gov’t Hamid Karzai emerges as leader.

Current Conflict o o o Taliban reemerges along Pakistani border Corruption in Karzai administration President Obama announces surge Bin Laden killed in Pakistan Hearts & Minds / Afghanization

Map of the Disputed Area

Iran (Shia majority) o o o Europeans fought over oil in early 1900 s 1950 -1970 s Reza Shah encouraged westernization leads to his exile 1979 Iranian Hostage Crisis, Ayatollah Khomeini emerged as leader 1986 Iran Contra Scandal Currently tension between U. S. and Iran over Iraq and policies of current leader Mahmoud Ahmedinejad,

Background of Saudi Arabia o o o Birthplace of Islam 1916 Great Britain encourages independence from Ottoman Empire 1936 Oil discovered and the Saudi Royal Family builds ties with U. S. and Europe

Current Issues in Saudi Arabia o o o 1990 s Sided with U. S. and Kuwait against Iraq during Persian Gulf War Currently maintains strong economic ties with U. S. Growing problems with Muslim extremists and terrorist groups

Current Issues o o Al Saud family possesses all political power Strict censorship / No political parties Osama bin Laden originally from Saudi Arabia Majority of 9/11 hijackers from Saudi Arabia