EQ3 Tensions in the middle east Flashcards
What has been a frequent challenge for superpowers in the Middle East?
Complex religious and cultural conflicts alongside plentiful natural resources
Saudi Arabia is the world’s second largest oil producer.
What is the significance of crude oil in the world economy?
The world economy runs on crude oil.
How much oil does the US export per day?
13 million barrels.
What has characterized Afghanistan’s government since the Soviet invasion in 1979?
Instability.
How are western governments, particularly the USA, viewing Afghanistan after 9/11?
With suspicion, due to accusations of sheltering Islamic extremists.
Who is currently in power in Afghanistan as of 2022?
The Taliban.
What percentage of the world’s crude oil exports originates from the Middle East?
65%.
What economic issues are prevalent in many Middle Eastern countries?
High unemployment rates and relatively low education levels.
What has encouraged armed conflicts in the Middle East?
Fears about energy pathways.
Which group has been involved in armed conflicts in Iraq?
ISIS.
What is the potential for young adults in the Middle East regarding dissatisfaction?
High potential for dissatisfaction with governance.
What happened during the Arab oil embargo in 1973?
The price of oil per barrel increased from $15 to $50.
What are the two main sects of Islam that have religious differences?
Shia and Sunni
Which countries are primarily associated with Shia Muslims?
Iran and Iraq
Which country is primarily associated with Sunni Muslims?
Saudi Arabia
What can the religious differences between Shia and Sunni Muslims lead to?
Conflict between and within countries
The tensions between which two countries have been compared to the Cold War?
Saudi Arabia and Iran
In which conflicts have Iran and Saudi Arabia supported opposing sides?
Iraq, Syria, and Yemen
Which ethnic group is demanding their own state in Iran, Syria, and Turkey?
Kurdish people
What type of conflict has Turkey been involved in against the Kurds?
Low-level civil war
What militant group are the Kurds fighting against in Iran and Syria?
ISIS
What alliance supports the Kurds in their fight against ISIS?
NATO and the western alliance
Fill in the blank: The tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran have been compared to the _______.
Cold War
True or False: The Kurdish people are only fighting against ISIS in Turkey.
False
