Terms/Main Ideas Describe, Define and Use in Context

Physical Geography

Regions Southwest Asia and North Africa

More in common with Southwest Asia than with rest of Africa. Arab descent, North Africa dominant religion is Islam, most people speak Arabic Landlocked countries of SW Lack of sea access. Makes trade much harder. Puts countries like Afghanistan at a Asia trade disadvantage. Access to Mediterranean & Red Seas gives Israel the ability to trade with Europe Benefit of sea access And East Asia. Afghanistan is landlocked – makes trade much more difficult Much of the world’s oil ships from here. Many pipelines end here Importance of the Persian Gulf and then oil is loaded on tankers People who raise livestock (cattle, goats, sheep) and are constantly on the move Nomad With their animals in search of fresh grass & water for their animals Southwest Asia has most oil resources in the world. It is the main What region has the most oil? (primary) source of income in the Middle East Dominate Physical Southwest Asia has few rivers or lakes. Limits amount of fresh water Characteristic of SW Asia available to people & agriculture Major Natural Resources Lots of oil. Little (not very much) fresh water Taking salt out of sea water. This source of fresh water adds to region’s Desalination small amount of river water (Giant sprinkler system) Technology that allows people to grow food Irrigation In the desert. Makes the “desert bloom”

Physical geography is mostly dry, arid desert. Therefore, most people live near sources Population Distribution of fresh water such as rivers. For example the Nile, Tigris, Euphrates Land Use Temperate grasslands and desert scrub only really allows for the herding of livestock.

Religion

Monotheistic (one God) religion. Began by Muhammad in Southwest Islam Asia. All countries in SW Asia, except Israel, are Islamic

What a follower of Islam is called. Most people in Central and Southwest Muslim Asia are Muslims. Islam is at the center of their lives and lifestyles.

Holiest site in Islam. Muhammad’s birthplace. Located in Saudi Arabia. Mecca This is where Muslims try to go on pilgrimage at least once in lifetime Founder of Islam. From Mecca in modern day Saudi Arabia. Muhammad Died in 632. Also called the “Prophet” Holy book of Islam. Laws in Islamic theocracies are based on the Qur’an. Qur’an Those are called Sharia law. Oldest of three religions. Monotheistic. Began in Southwest Asia. Judaism Israel is a Jewish state – supported by the US & other western nations. The Western Wall in Jerusalem is holiest site. In conflict with Islam. Belief in only one god Monotheism Important Holy city to all three religions. Both Palestinians and Israelis feel Jerusalem they have a claim to the city. Neither group wants to give up their claim (or control) of the city.

Israel and Palestine

Israel believes the land was promised to them by God. Israel, because of their religion, Israel’s culture has a different culture than the countries around it. Believe Israeli land belongs to them because they have lived there for a very Palestinians’ culture long time. They believe Israel stole the land. Forced to flee (leave) Israel to live in Islamic countries because they Palestinian Refugees are persecuted (treated badly). Most refugees live in Jordan. Desire of an ethnic group for independence and a country of their own Nationalism “Western” nations stance on The U.S. and Britain support Israel’s right to exist. They give Israel military the conflict Assistance and try to help Israel and its enemies come to peace agreements. Religious Dispute Israel – Jewish Palestinians - Muslim Both Israel and Palestinians want control of Jerusalem. They do not want to Control of Jerusalem Share with each other. Areas in the West Bank occupied by Jewish settlers. On Palestinian land that was Settlements Captured by the Israelis during war time.

Oil Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. OPEC OPEC tries to control What does OPEC control? world oil market & maximize prices (sell oil at the highest price possible) Oil is the main source of income ($$) for the economy in Southwest Asia. Importance of oil Southwest Asia has the largest oil reserves in the world Region with the most oil

US involvement Main Reason for US Oil. The United States is dependent. We must buy oil from other countries. We need involvement in SW Asia This region to be stable and to produce oil. Our economic health depends on it. the modern culture of western Europe and North America Western Culture

Extreme view of Islam. Only a few Muslims are in this category. Believe countries should have laws based on the Qur’an and that women should be controlled by men. Taliban in Islamic Fundamentalism Afghanistan is an example. Many terrorists, like those in Al Qaeda, are Islamic Fundamentalists Terrorist attack on US. Planned and funded by Osama Bin Laden and his Islamic 9/11 Attacks Fundamentalist terrorists. US invaded Afghanistan after 9-11attack to try to get Osama Less developed (poor), landlocked Islamic country in Southwest Asia. Most people Afghanistan there are illiterate (can’t read). Was controlled by the Taliban. US fighting there.

Islamic fundamentalists. Controlled Afghanistan from 1996-2001. Imposed strict laws based on the Qur’an (Sharia law). Men had to grow beards. Protected Osama bin Taliban Laden after 9-11. Militants are still fighting against US/NATO in Afghanistan today Bin Laden was in Afghanistan when he planned 9-11 attacks. He was the leader Of Al Qaeda. Killed in Pakistan by US forces. Osama Bin Laden & Al Qaeda

Still going on even though bin Laden is dead. Fight has spread worldwide. Al Qaeda still exists and the U.S. is still a potential target of terrorist attacks. War on Terror

The difference in rights and opportunities between men and women. Can be a very Gender Inequality large difference in some countries, like Afghanistan. Differences in education, ability to travel freely, and in clothing restrictions. The behavior and rights of women are Closely monitored in Islamic Fundamentalist countries, like Iran & Saudi Arabia. Nationalism Live mainly in Israel. Different culture than Israelis. Want their own country and are Palestinians fighting the Israelis to get one. Live mainly in northern Iraq and southern Turkey. Would like to take land from both Kurds and make their own country. Supported by US against ISIS Government Government led by religious leader. Iran is an Islamic theocracy Theocracy – led by the Ayatollah. Laws based on the Qur’an (Islamic Holy book) Government controlled by a king. Saudi Arabia is one example. Monarchy Government in which the leader gains control through military and uses the military to Dictatorship maintain control. Iraq under Saddam Hussein was an example.