Attempts at a solution

Question 1

What event led to the Gulf War in August 1990?

Answer 1

Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, primarily motivated by the desire to control Kuwait’s oil resources.

Question 2

How did Arafat respond to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait?

Answer 2

Arafat declared his support for Saddam Hussein, the leader of Iraq, due to historical support for the PLO.

Question 3

What was the international reaction to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait?

Answer 3

Most countries, including Arab nations, condemned Iraq for its invasion of Kuwait.

Question 4

What action did Saudi Arabia and Kuwait take in response to Arafat’s support for Saddam Hussein?

Answer 4

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait withdrew funding for the PLO.

Question 5

What proposal did the UN make to address the situation in Kuwait, and how did the US influence Arab countries?

Answer 5

The UN proposed a coalition of forces to liberate Kuwait, and the US persuaded Arab countries to join the coalition by promising aid or threatening withdrawal of aid.

Question 6

How did Iraq attempt to divide the coalition during the Gulf War, and what was Israel’s response?

Answer 6

Iraq fired scud missiles into Israel, destroying over 4,000 homes, in an attempt to divide the coalition. Israel, despite the attack, refrained from retaliating and won widespread praise for its restraint.

Question 7

What military operation was launched in January 1991 during the Gulf War?

Answer 7

Operation Desert Storm, involving a coalition of 34 military forces, including the USA, Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Kuwait, Oman, and the UAE.

Question 8

When was Kuwait liberated during the Gulf War?

Answer 8

Kuwait was liberated in February 1991 as a result of Operation Desert Storm.

Question 9

What impact did the Gulf War have on the perception of the USA in most Arab states?

Answer 9

Most Arab states developed a positive view of the USA and were less opposed to its intervention in the Middle East.

Question 10

How did Israel’s reputation change during the Gulf War?

Answer 10

Israel’s reputation improved due to its decision not to retaliate during the conflict.

Question 11

What was the impact of Arafat’s support for Saddam Hussein during the Gulf War on the PLO?

Answer 11

Arafat’s support for Saddam Hussein damaged the PLO’s reputation, leading to financial losses and weakened bargaining power.

Question 12

How did the end of the Cold War impact the PLO?

Answer 12

The end of the Cold War was disastrous for the PLO as it led to the loss of the USSR’s support, which had been a primary source of finance and weapons for the organization. This weakened their negotiating power.

Question 13

How did Arab countries respond to the loss of financial and military support after the end of the Cold War?

Answer 13

Arab countries, facing the loss of financial and military support, became more open to dialogue with the USA as they needed economic and military aid.

Question 14

What changed in US attitudes towards Israel after the end of the Cold War?

Answer 14

After the end of the Cold War, the USA, no longer reliant solely on Israel as its ally in the Middle East, could play a more neutral role. The USA began putting pressure on Israel to negotiate with the PLO and Arab countries.

Question 15

How did the migration of Jews from the former USSR to Israel impact the situation in the Middle East?

Answer 15

The migration of 200,000 Jews from the former USSR to Israel increased the likelihood of more Jewish settlements in the occupied territories. This urgency for a resolution prompted cooperation between Israel and the PLO.

Question 16

What happened in November 1991 regarding peace talks?

Answer 16

Peace talks began, but little was achieved, as Israel still refused to negotiate with the PLO.

Question 17

Who was the new Israeli president in 1992, and what was his stance on negotiations?

Answer 17

Yitzhak Rabin became the new Israeli president in 1992, and he was more willing to compromise, leading to a shift in Israel’s stance on negotiations.

Question 18

Why did the Oslo Accords happen?

Answer 18

Arafat’s survival of a plane crash in 1992 boosted his popularity, strengthening his leadership position. Additionally, the threat posed by Hamas’ actions in 1993 made negotiations with the PLO seem more moderate.

Question 19

What significant steps were taken in the Oslo Accords of 1993?

Answer 19

1. The PLO renounced terrorism, rejected the Intifada, and acknowledged Israel’s right to exist.
2. Israel recognized the PLO as the official body representing Palestinians.
3. A Palestinian National Authority (PNA) was established to govern the West Bank and Gaza.
4. Over 5 years, Israeli forces would gradually withdraw from parts of the West Bank.
5. Negotiations would continue on issues like precise borders, Israeli settlements, and the future of Jerusalem.
6. The plan aimed for a permanent peace treaty to be signed at the end of the 5 years.

Question 20

What key acknowledgment did Israel make in the Oslo Accords?

Answer 20

Israel acknowledged the PLO as the official representative of the Palestinians.

Question 21

What responsibilities were given to the Palestinian National Authority (PNA)?

Answer 21

The PNA was tasked with governing the West Bank and Gaza.

Question 22

What was the timeline for the withdrawal of Israeli forces according to the Oslo Accords?

Answer 22

Israeli forces were planned to retreat from parts of the West Bank over a period of 5 years.

Question 23

What led to the Oslo Accords, and when were they signed?

Answer 23

1. Arafat and Rabin began secret talks facilitated by Norway.
2. The official talks started in Oslo in August 1993.
3. The Accords were signed in Washington in September 1993.

Question 24

Why are the Oslo Accords considered significant?

Answer 24

1. They marked the first direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians.
2. Demonstrated a genuine willingness for peace and compromise.
3. Real progress was achieved, fostering optimism for a peaceful solution.
4. Israel aimed for peace and security, while Palestinians sought the right to self-governance.
5. The Intifada was halted, benefiting both economies and people on both sides.

Question 25

What is the PNA, and when was it established?

Answer 25

The PNA (Palestinian National Authority) was set up in 1994 as an interim body.

Question 26

Who initially managed the PNA?

Answer 26

The PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) initially ran the PNA.

Question 27

What measures were taken to enforce law and order by the PNA?

Answer 27

A police force was established to maintain law and order and prevent raids into Israel.

Question 28

When were democratic elections held in the West Bank and Gaza, and who was elected as President in 1996?

Answer 28

Democratic elections were held, and Arafat was elected and installed as President in 1996.

Question 29

What responsibilities did the PNA assume for Palestinians?

Answer 29

The PNA took charge of education, health, welfare, and taxation for Palestinians.

Question 30

When did Jordan and Israel sign a peace treaty?

Answer 30

In October 1994, Jordan and Israel signed a peace treaty.

Question 31

What motivated Jordan to approach Israel for peace?

Answer 31

Jordan approached Israel due to its own economic problems, and it needed peace before they could be solved.

Question 32

What incentive did the USA provide to Jordan for making peace with Israel?

Answer 32

The USA promised to cancel Jordan’s debts if it made peace with Israel.

Question 33

What significant step did Jordan take in accepting Israel’s existence?

Answer 33

Jordan became the second Arab country to accept Israel’s right to exist.

Question 34

What agreements were reached between Israel and Jordan in addition to the peace treaty?

Answer 34

Both countries agreed to work together against terrorism and not to invade each other.

Question 35

When was the Oslo II agreement signed?

Answer 35

The Oslo II agreement was signed on 28th September 1995.

Question 36

What territories did Oslo II outline for Palestinian control?

Answer 36

Gaza would gradually come under Palestinian control.

Question 37

How was the West Bank divided according to Oslo II?

Answer 37

The West Bank was divided into three parts:

Area A: Under PNA control.

Area B: Jointly controlled.

Area C: Under Israeli control.

Question 38

What was the reaction to Oslo II from both sides?

Answer 38

Positive feelings from both sides as negotiations were continuing.

Question 39

Why were Palestinians disappointed with Oslo II?

Answer 39

Palestinians were shocked and disappointed due to the small amount of West Bank under Palestinian control.

Question 40

What was the reaction of Israeli settlers to Oslo II?

Answer 40

Israeli settlers were against giving away the ‘promised land,’ leading to fury. Rabin, who supported the agreement, was assassinated in November 1995.

Question 41

How did extremist Palestinians react to Oslo II?

Answer 41

Extremist Palestinians, seeking the complete destruction of Israel, continued their terrorist attacks.

Question 42

What were the areas of agreement in the Oslo Accords?

Answer 42

1. Israel recognized the PLO as the body representing Palestinians, accepting a two-state solution.
2. The PLO recognized Israel’s right to exist and accepted a two-state solution.
3. Egypt and Jordan also recognized Israel, and relations with other Arab states improved.

Question 43

What were the remaining issues of dispute after the Oslo Accords?

Answer 43

1. Jerusalem, particularly the question of who would rule East Jerusalem.
2. Presence of Jewish settlers in the West Bank and the status of Palestinian refugees in other countries.
3. Determining the precise borders of each state.
4. Ongoing tensions with Syria, particularly regarding the Israeli occupation of most of the Golan Heights.