Middle East Flashcards
Revolutionary Guards
The Revolutionary Guards, officially known as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), is a powerful military and paramilitary force in Iran. It was established shortly after the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which led to the overthrow of the Shah and the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Over time, their role expanded, and they became a significant force in Iranian society, involved in various military, security, economic, and political activities. The IRGC operates independently from the regular Iranian military, known as the Artesh, and reports directly to the Supreme Leader of Iran. It is considered the most loyal and ideologically driven military force in the country.
Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi
Ruled Iran from 1941 until the Iranian Revolution in 1979. He came to power following the abdication of his father, Reza Shah, during World War II. Under the reign of Mohammad Reza Shah, Iran went through a period of modernization and Westernization, known as the White Revolution. The Shah pursued social, economic, and political reforms aimed at modernizing Iran and increasing its ties to the Western world. These reforms included land redistribution, women’s rights initiatives, industrialization, and educational reforms. The opposition to the Shah’s regime, including religious, political, and social groups, culminated in the Iranian Revolution of 1979.
Iran-Iraq War
The Iran-Iraq War was a prolonged war fought between Iran and Iraq from 1980 to 1988. It began with Iraq’s invasion of Iran and was marked by intense fighting, high casualties, and the use of chemical weapons. The war ended in a stalemate, with no significant territorial changes, but it had severe economic, social, and geopolitical consequences for both countries.
Gulf War
The Gulf War occurred from August 2, 1990, to February 28, 1991. It began when Iraq invaded Kuwait, leading to an international coalition, led by the United States, launching military operations to liberate Kuwait. Iraq was eventually defeated, and the war ended with a ceasefire.
intifada
The intifada refers to two major uprisings by Palestinians against Israeli occupation in the Palestinian territories, particularly the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The First Intifada began in December 1987 and lasted until the early 1990s. It was a largely grassroots movement characterized by widespread civil disobedience, protests, strikes, and acts of resistance against Israeli military rule. The Palestinians sought an end to the occupation, self-determination, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
The Second Intifada, also known as the Al-Aqsa Intifada, erupted in September 2000. It was marked by an increase in violence, including suicide bombings, shootings, and Israeli military responses. The Second Intifada had a significant impact on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, leading to the reoccupation of Palestinian areas by Israeli forces and a deterioration of trust between the two sides.
King Farouk
King Farouk was the last reigning monarch of Egypt, ruling from 1936 to 1952. He ascended the throne at a young age and faced political challenges during his reign, marked by a growing nationalist movement. In 1952, a military coup led by Gamal Abdel Nasser toppled his rule, leading to the establishment of a republic in Egypt. After being deposed, Farouk lived in exile until his death in 1965.
