The Middle East Flashcards
Where is the Middle East and why is it called the ‘Middle East’?
The term ‘Middle East’ is a term that dates back to 1900. Asia was described as ‘The Far East’. Therefore, the countries in the Middle East were a halfway point from America to the ‘Far East’.
What are the issues in the Middle East?
- Natural resources
- Conflict
- Women’s rights and equality
- Quality of life
What are the issues of Natural resources in the Middle East?
Countries in the Middle East have over 66% of the worlds reserves of oil. Countries such as Saudi Arabia have been able to sell this and become extremely wealthy from the profits. It also means that some of these countries have become quite powerful as most of the world relies heavily on oil. As oil supplies run out, these countries need to find another way to make money. In contrast, these regions have very little water and many countries suffer from water scarcity. This will have a big impact for them as they will not be able to grow food or have access to clean, safe drinking water.
What are the Conflict issues in the Middle East?
There are many conflicts in the region. The following are just just an example:
The Arab Spring - Tis is a term used to describe a waves of protests in some counties in the region. People demanded more freedom, an end to corruption and more jobs.
Israel/Palestine Conflict - Jewish Israelites and Arab Muslims are fighting over land which they both believe belongs to them.
Syria - There have been conflict in Syria since 2011 and over 5 million Syrians have fled the country.
All conflict disrupts the lives of people who live there, and means money is spent on the military instead of education and health
What are the issues with Women’s Rights And Equality in the Middle East?
The Middle East is among to most unequal regions in the world when it comes to gender equality. It is estimated that 10 million women in poorer countries can’t read. Saudi Arabia is one of the worst countries and women who live there can’t drive a car, compete in sports or open a back account without their husbands permission. This means that women don’t have the same rights to vote or take part is politics, the same access to jobs and healthcare and they are not treated as well as in other parts of the world. There is pressure from other countries for them to change this.
