Southwest Asia (The Middle East)
SS7G5 The student will locate selected features in Southwestern Asia (Middle East).
a. Locate on a world and regional political-physical map: Euphrates River, Jordan River, Tigris
River, Suez Canal, Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Arabian Sea, Red Sea, and Gaza Strip.
b. Locate on a world and regional political-physical map the nations of Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq,
Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey
a. Locate on a world and regional political-physical map: Euphrates River, Jordan River, Tigris
River, Suez Canal, Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Arabian Sea, Red Sea, and Gaza Strip.
b. Locate on a world and regional political-physical map the nations of Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq,
Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey
SS7G6 The student will discuss environmental issues across Southwest Asia (Middle East):
![Picture](/uploads/2/4/7/0/24702335/2496714.jpg?215)
a. Explain how water pollution and the unequal distribution of water impacts irrigation and
drinking water~
Water pollution in Southwest Asia is an issue that needs to be addressed very quickly. Water in Southwest Asia is already scarce however
individuals and industries continue to pollute the already limited supply of water. Major sources of water are the; Jordan, Euphrates, and Tigris River, the Red and Arabian Sea, the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal, Persian Gulf, and aquifers. The West Bank Aquifer is slowly but surely becoming contaminated with sewage that is soaking into the terrain. Proper sewage treatment could and would stop this problem, but efforts from many nations have been rejected due to political arguments. Rivers too are becoming polluted with sewage, salt water, and run-offs. Cleaning up this pollution problem is difficult because countries are accusing one another for the pollution. People call this problem a "ticking time bomb" that will eventually catch up with the people of Southwest Asia, and threatens to start another water war leaving millions of people water-less.
SS7G7 The student will explain the impact of location, climate, physical characteristics,
Distribution of natural resources and population distribution on Southwest Asia (Middle East):
a. Explain how the distribution of oil has affected the development of Southwest Asia (Middle East)~
Around 1/3 of the world's oil supply is found in Southwest Asia, which has greatly impacted the economy. Because of the large amount of oil found in Southwest Asia, the Middle East has become a very important figure around the world and in politics. The countries with the most oil, such as Saudi Arabia, are able to make a large portion of their money just by selling oil to other countries around the world.
b. Describe how the deserts and rivers of Southwest Asia (Middle East) have affected the
population in terms of where people live, the type of work they do, and how they travel~
A large portion of Southwest Asia is made up of hot, dry, endless deserts. However, Southwest Asia is also home to three rivers; the Tigris, Euphrates, and Jordan. The Tigris and Euphrates are the largest rivers in Southwest Asia. These facts have a great effect on where the majority of the population lives, because no one wants to live in the desert, so almost everyone lives close to the rivers, where the land is lush and green.
drinking water~
Water pollution in Southwest Asia is an issue that needs to be addressed very quickly. Water in Southwest Asia is already scarce however
individuals and industries continue to pollute the already limited supply of water. Major sources of water are the; Jordan, Euphrates, and Tigris River, the Red and Arabian Sea, the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal, Persian Gulf, and aquifers. The West Bank Aquifer is slowly but surely becoming contaminated with sewage that is soaking into the terrain. Proper sewage treatment could and would stop this problem, but efforts from many nations have been rejected due to political arguments. Rivers too are becoming polluted with sewage, salt water, and run-offs. Cleaning up this pollution problem is difficult because countries are accusing one another for the pollution. People call this problem a "ticking time bomb" that will eventually catch up with the people of Southwest Asia, and threatens to start another water war leaving millions of people water-less.
SS7G7 The student will explain the impact of location, climate, physical characteristics,
Distribution of natural resources and population distribution on Southwest Asia (Middle East):
a. Explain how the distribution of oil has affected the development of Southwest Asia (Middle East)~
Around 1/3 of the world's oil supply is found in Southwest Asia, which has greatly impacted the economy. Because of the large amount of oil found in Southwest Asia, the Middle East has become a very important figure around the world and in politics. The countries with the most oil, such as Saudi Arabia, are able to make a large portion of their money just by selling oil to other countries around the world.
b. Describe how the deserts and rivers of Southwest Asia (Middle East) have affected the
population in terms of where people live, the type of work they do, and how they travel~
A large portion of Southwest Asia is made up of hot, dry, endless deserts. However, Southwest Asia is also home to three rivers; the Tigris, Euphrates, and Jordan. The Tigris and Euphrates are the largest rivers in Southwest Asia. These facts have a great effect on where the majority of the population lives, because no one wants to live in the desert, so almost everyone lives close to the rivers, where the land is lush and green.
![Picture](/uploads/2/4/7/0/24702335/284110.jpg?92)
SS7G8 The student will describe the diverse cultures of the people who live in Southwest Asia
(Middle East):
a. Explain the differences between an ethnic group and a religious group~
What exactly is the difference between an ethnic and religious group? Well, a religious group is specifically a group of people, such as Christians, who all believe and practice the same religion. An ethnic group, such as the Arabs, can share a common religion, but they also share beliefs, culture, traditions, clothing, and other ways of life.
b. Explain the diversity of religions within the Arabs, Persians, and Kurds~
The Arabs, Persians, and Kurds are the three main ethnic groups in Southwest Asia. The main religion of all three of these groups is Islam, varying between Shi'a and Sunni. However, there are a few Christians and other religions scattered throughout Southwest Asia.
c. Compare and contrast the prominent religions in Southwest Asia (Middle East): Judaism,
Islam, and Christianity~
Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are the three main religions in Southwest Asia. Although there are some differences, there are also similarities. For one, all three religions are monotheistic, meaning that its followers believe in only one God. Judaism and Christianity are very similar, but the main difference is that Jews don't believe that Jesus was The Messiah. Each religion also has a different Holy Book; Christians use the Bible, Jews use the Torah, and Muslims use the Qu'ran. Another difference is that Islam is split into two group; Sunni and Shi'a. There are many more similarities and differences, but these are the main ones.
d. Explain the reason for the division between Sunni and Shi'a Muslims~
The Islamic religion was split into two groups because the followers couldn't agree on how a leader should be chosen. One group believed that the leader must be a direct descendant of Muhammad, but another group disagreed and said that you shouldn't have to be related to Muhammad to lead the religion. Therefore, the Muslims decided that they would split into two groups; Shi'a and Sunni. Shi'a would be the group that believed that you must be a direct descendant, and Sunni was the group that believed that anyone could lead.
e. Evaluate how the literacy rate affects the standard of living~
Literacy rate greatly affects the standard of living, because if more people can read and write, then they will have better jobs and better lives. If there is a high literacy rate, then there will be a high standard of living, which will improve daily life in that country.
SS7CG4 The student will compare and contrast various forms of government:
a. Describe the ways government systems distribute power: unitary, confederation, and federal~
Unitary-Most countries in the world have a Unitary system. Central Government holds the power to make laws and decisions for the people. Power is not shared between states, counties, or provinces.
Example: Great Britain
Confederation-These hardly exist anymore. States join together for economic or war purposes.
Example: The American North and South during The Civil War.
Federal-Federal Governments are usually found in large countries that are divided into states or provinces. Power to make the decisions is SHARED between central government AND states. Citizens have more participation in a Federal Government.
Example: The United States, Canada, and Australia.
b. Explain how governments determine citizen participation: autocratic, oligarchic, and democratic~
Autocratic- An Autocratic Government, or Autocracy, is led by one ruler, an Autocrat, who makes all laws and demands.
Example: Germany during WWII.
Oligarchic- An Oligarchic Government, or Oligarchy, is led by a group of people, usually very wealthy, who make all laws and demands.
Example: The former Soviet Union, China, North Korea, and Venezuela.
Democratic- A Democracy is the form of government where power belongs to the people. Although power lies within the government, a Democracy allows citizens to participate and vote on leaders.
Example: The United States.
c. Describe the two predominant forms of democratic governments: parliamentary and
presidential~
Parliamentary- A system of democratic governance of a state in which the executive branch derives its democratic legitimacy from, and is held accountable to, the legislature
Example: The United Kingdom
Presidential- A republican system of government where a head of government is also head of state and leads an executive branch that is separate from the legislative branch.
Example: The United States.
SS7CG5 The student will explain the structures of the national governments of Southwest Asia
(Middle East):
a. Compare the parliamentary democracy of the State of Israel, the monarchy of the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia, and the theocracy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, distinguishing the form of
leadership and the role of the citizen in terms of voting rights and personal freedoms~
Parliamentary Democracy of the State of Israel- Israel has a unitary system of government where the central government handles most government laws and responsibilities. The Israeli Chief of State is the president, who has very little power. The head of government is the prime minister, who holds the most power. There are 120 seats in the Knesset, or the Legislative Branch. The Supreme Court is the head of the Judicial Branch. Israel has no written constitution, and when 18 both men and women can vote.
Theocracy of the Islamic Republic of Iran- The government of Iran is a theocracy, viewing all government matters through the eyes of its primary religion, Islam. Once they reach 18, both men and women can vote. The Assembly of Experts appoints the Supreme Leader, a religious position that lasts a lifetime unless the Assembly decides he is no longer fit for office. The Supreme Leader has more power than the president, who is elected by popular vote for a four-year term of office. The legislative branch is an elected National Assembly of 290 members who also serve four years. The Supreme Court and the four-member High Council of the Judiciary supervise enforcement of all laws and establish legal policies.The constitution guarantees certain personal freedoms and equal rights, regardless of ethnic group or tribe. While some freedoms are similar to democratic ones, others illustrate the theocracy of the government , such as the right to choose employment as long as it isn't contrary with Islam, and freedom of the press except when it is damaging to the principles of Islam. If a person disagrees with the government, he or she could be arrested for treason. Women have far fewer rights than men, and their peaceful demonstrations for equality have been met with violence.
The Monarchy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia- The government of Saudi Arabia is a monarchy, and the king is both chief government and religious official. There is no constitution as Islamic law governs Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has no legislature or political parties. Men aged 21 and older can vote. A group called Human Rights Watch views the Saudi justice system as highly secretive and wants it open to the public. Human rights and personal freedoms are often denied in Saudi Arabia. Examples include unfair trials and extreme physical punishments. Because Saudi Arabia values its position in the world economy, its government is working to correct some of these injustices. In Saudi Arabia, a group of religious police called the mutaween roam the streets to make sure Saudi citizens follow strict codes of behavior and dress outlined by Islamic law.
SS7E5 The student will analyze different economic systems:
a. Compare how traditional, command, and market economies answer the economic questions of
(1) what to produce, (2) how to produce, and (3) for whom to produce~
Traditional- In a traditional economy, all of the economic questions are answered based on traditions. The economy does what they have always done to answer the basic economic questions.
Command- In a command economy, all of the basic economic questions are answered by the government. Citizens have no say whatsoever in determining what to produce, how to produce, or for whom to produce.
Market- In a market economy, all of the basic economic questions are determined by supply and demand. Citizens have pretty much all the power in a purely market economy.
b. Explain how most countries have a mixed economy located on a continuum between pure
market and pure command~
No country in the world is 100% command or market. This is because, if there was a purely command economy, the government would control EVERYTHING, leaving no citizen participation. But, if there was a purely market economy, the government wouldn't control ANYTHING, and citizens could get away with anything, leaving too much citizen participation. This is why every country in the world is found on a continuum, somewhere between command and market. This is called a mixed economy, although some countries are closer to one side than the others.
c. Compare and contrast the economic systems in Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey~
Israel- Has almost no natural resources. Economy is mostly based on advanced technology. Israel has a large government ownership of business but is gradually letting individuals own the companies.
Saudi Arabia- The country is rich in oil reserves and allows the country to buy goods it cannot produce. They are the world leader in oil production. The King and his advisors make most of the decisions about how and where to use the oil
profits. A lot of wealth has been invested in technologies. Over 95% of the oil industry in the country is operated by the government. Most other
industries have major government involvement also. Since the 1980’s, the Saudi government has been trying to increase private ownership of
businesses. 1/3 of Saudi Arabia GDP (wealth) is based on exports.
Turkey- For thousands of years traders have crossed Turkey from Europe to Asia. Turkey has a diversified economy with large service, manufacturing, and agricultural industries. Since the 1980’s Turkey has slowly moved from a government directed economy to a more
privately own. 1/5 of Turkey’s production is exported. The rest is consumed by domestic consumers and
the government.
SS7E6 The student will explain how voluntary trade benefits buyers and sellers in Southwest
Asia (Middle East):
a. Explain how specialization encourages trade between countries~
Specialization greatly encourages trade between countries. For instance, if one country specializes in coffee, they wouldn't trade with another country that specializes in coffee. Instead, they might trade with a country that specializes in rice, because the coffee-specializing country needs more rice, and the rice-specializing country needs more coffee. In cases like this, specialization definitely encourages trade between countries.
b. Compare and contrast different types of trade barriers, such as tariffs, quotas, and embargos~
There are many different types of trade barriers. One is a Tariff, which is a tax on an imported good. A Quota is a set limit on how much can be produced, imported, or exported. And finally, an Embargo is a trade barrier between countries which means NO TRADE WHATSOEVER!
c. Explain the primary function of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)~
The Middle East countries were not really aware of the concentration of oil wealth until World War 2, when demand for oil rose sharply. Thus, oil-producing states established the OPEC to promote their interest.
d. Explain why international trade requires a system for exchanging currencies between nations~
Most of the countries in SW Asia have their own type of currency. In order for them to pay for goods as they trade with each other, they had to establish a system of exchanging from one type of currency to another. This system is known as an exchange rate. They also have to be able to exchange their currencies with those used by other countries around the world. The currency of the United States is based on the dollar. In most of Western Europe, currency is called the Euro. In Southwest Asia, there are many different types of currency. In order for them to trade with each other, they have to be able to figure out what goods cost in each currency.
SS7E7 The student will describe factors that influence economic growth and examine their
presence or absence in Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Iran:
a. Explain the relationship between investment in human capital (education and training) and
gross domestic product (GDP)~
Well, human capital is investing in education and training so companies will have an educated work force. If there are more educated workers, then more products will be produced. And with more products to sell, the country will function more efficiently, which will raise the country's GDP.
b. Explain the relationship between investment in capital (factories, machinery, and technology)
and gross domestic product (GDP)~
If a country invests in capital resources, such as factories, machinery, and technology, then they will be able to produce their products more efficiently, which will raise the country's GDP.
c. Explain the role of oil in these countries’ economies~
In Saudi Arabia, oil is pretty much the only thing that the country can depend on. They are the leading petroleum exporter in the world, although oil is the only way that they can get almost all of their money. Iran relies on oil for its economy as well, but Israel does not. Although they have almost no oil, Israel makes up for it with their advanced technology and cut diamonds.
d. Describe the role of entrepreneurship~
The role of entrepreneurship in any country is very important. With more entrepreneurs, countries will have more businesses. With more businesses, they will be much more productive.
SS7H2 The student will analyze continuity and change in Southwest Asia (Middle East) leading
to the 21st century:
a. Explain how European partitioning in the Middle East after the breakup of the Ottoman Empire
led to regional conflict~
During World War II, the Ottoman Empire sided with the Central Powers. After the war, the government collapsed and the land of the former Ottoman Empire was divided among the victorious European countries. France was given Syria, Lebanon, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. Great Britain was given Egypt, Sudan, Jordan, and Palestine. Finally, Italy was given Libya. The British promised the Arabs their own state (stretching from Syria to the Arabian Peninsula) if they helped defeat the Ottomans. In the Balfour Declaration (1917), the British promised their support for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. Because Great Britain promised the same land to the Arabs and the Jews, this was bound to lead to conflict.
b. Explain the historical reasons for the establishment of the modern State of Israel in 1948;
include the Jewish religious connection to the land, the Holocaust, anti-Semitism, and Zionism
in Europe~
Although the British had promised the same land to the Arabs and the Jews, they decided to let the Jews have it for several reasons. For one, the Jews had a religious connection with the land; they believed that the land was given to them by God around 4,000 years ago. The Jews were also given the land because of their suffering during the Holocaust, when thousands of them were brutally killed for no reason. Therefore, the British decided that the Jews deserved the land, because it was originally their's, and due to their suffering, and the State of Israel was created on May 14, 1948. The day of its creation, Israel was attacked by the Arabs. The Arab-Israeli War (or Israeli War For Independence) lasted 8 months.
c. Describe how land and religion are reasons for continuing conflicts in the Middle East~
The Jews and Arabs still disagree to this day over who should have the right to claim Israel, which is often the cause of conflicts in the Middle East. Different religious groups also have conflicts very often and disagree over many things.
d. Explain U.S. presence and interest in Southwest Asia; include the Persian Gulf conflict and
invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq~
Persian Gulf Conflict (Operation Desert Storm)- In August 1990, Iraq wanted to gain back access to the Persian Gulf and oil. They invaded Kuwait so they could get what they wanted. The United States and others pushed Iraq back within 6 weeks. Iraq withdrew in February 1991 after they had burned over 1,000 oil reserves.
Iraq Invasion (Operation Iraqi Freedom)- In 2003, the United States, Great Britain, and other countries invaded Iraq because they believed that there were WMDs in Iraq that were aiding Al-Qaeda. Saddam Hussein's government collapsed and no WMDs were ever found. Hussein was found, tried, and executed in 2006.
Afghanistan Invasion (Operation Enduring Freedom)- In 2001, the United States invaded Afghanistan because they believed that the Taliban was aiding Osama bin Laden. On May 2, 2011 at 1:00 A.M., Navy seals raided Osama bin Laden's compound in Pakistan. He was shot and killed in the raid, and was buried at sea within 24 hours because no country would accept his remains.
(Middle East):
a. Explain the differences between an ethnic group and a religious group~
What exactly is the difference between an ethnic and religious group? Well, a religious group is specifically a group of people, such as Christians, who all believe and practice the same religion. An ethnic group, such as the Arabs, can share a common religion, but they also share beliefs, culture, traditions, clothing, and other ways of life.
b. Explain the diversity of religions within the Arabs, Persians, and Kurds~
The Arabs, Persians, and Kurds are the three main ethnic groups in Southwest Asia. The main religion of all three of these groups is Islam, varying between Shi'a and Sunni. However, there are a few Christians and other religions scattered throughout Southwest Asia.
c. Compare and contrast the prominent religions in Southwest Asia (Middle East): Judaism,
Islam, and Christianity~
Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are the three main religions in Southwest Asia. Although there are some differences, there are also similarities. For one, all three religions are monotheistic, meaning that its followers believe in only one God. Judaism and Christianity are very similar, but the main difference is that Jews don't believe that Jesus was The Messiah. Each religion also has a different Holy Book; Christians use the Bible, Jews use the Torah, and Muslims use the Qu'ran. Another difference is that Islam is split into two group; Sunni and Shi'a. There are many more similarities and differences, but these are the main ones.
d. Explain the reason for the division between Sunni and Shi'a Muslims~
The Islamic religion was split into two groups because the followers couldn't agree on how a leader should be chosen. One group believed that the leader must be a direct descendant of Muhammad, but another group disagreed and said that you shouldn't have to be related to Muhammad to lead the religion. Therefore, the Muslims decided that they would split into two groups; Shi'a and Sunni. Shi'a would be the group that believed that you must be a direct descendant, and Sunni was the group that believed that anyone could lead.
e. Evaluate how the literacy rate affects the standard of living~
Literacy rate greatly affects the standard of living, because if more people can read and write, then they will have better jobs and better lives. If there is a high literacy rate, then there will be a high standard of living, which will improve daily life in that country.
SS7CG4 The student will compare and contrast various forms of government:
a. Describe the ways government systems distribute power: unitary, confederation, and federal~
Unitary-Most countries in the world have a Unitary system. Central Government holds the power to make laws and decisions for the people. Power is not shared between states, counties, or provinces.
Example: Great Britain
Confederation-These hardly exist anymore. States join together for economic or war purposes.
Example: The American North and South during The Civil War.
Federal-Federal Governments are usually found in large countries that are divided into states or provinces. Power to make the decisions is SHARED between central government AND states. Citizens have more participation in a Federal Government.
Example: The United States, Canada, and Australia.
b. Explain how governments determine citizen participation: autocratic, oligarchic, and democratic~
Autocratic- An Autocratic Government, or Autocracy, is led by one ruler, an Autocrat, who makes all laws and demands.
Example: Germany during WWII.
Oligarchic- An Oligarchic Government, or Oligarchy, is led by a group of people, usually very wealthy, who make all laws and demands.
Example: The former Soviet Union, China, North Korea, and Venezuela.
Democratic- A Democracy is the form of government where power belongs to the people. Although power lies within the government, a Democracy allows citizens to participate and vote on leaders.
Example: The United States.
c. Describe the two predominant forms of democratic governments: parliamentary and
presidential~
Parliamentary- A system of democratic governance of a state in which the executive branch derives its democratic legitimacy from, and is held accountable to, the legislature
Example: The United Kingdom
Presidential- A republican system of government where a head of government is also head of state and leads an executive branch that is separate from the legislative branch.
Example: The United States.
SS7CG5 The student will explain the structures of the national governments of Southwest Asia
(Middle East):
a. Compare the parliamentary democracy of the State of Israel, the monarchy of the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia, and the theocracy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, distinguishing the form of
leadership and the role of the citizen in terms of voting rights and personal freedoms~
Parliamentary Democracy of the State of Israel- Israel has a unitary system of government where the central government handles most government laws and responsibilities. The Israeli Chief of State is the president, who has very little power. The head of government is the prime minister, who holds the most power. There are 120 seats in the Knesset, or the Legislative Branch. The Supreme Court is the head of the Judicial Branch. Israel has no written constitution, and when 18 both men and women can vote.
Theocracy of the Islamic Republic of Iran- The government of Iran is a theocracy, viewing all government matters through the eyes of its primary religion, Islam. Once they reach 18, both men and women can vote. The Assembly of Experts appoints the Supreme Leader, a religious position that lasts a lifetime unless the Assembly decides he is no longer fit for office. The Supreme Leader has more power than the president, who is elected by popular vote for a four-year term of office. The legislative branch is an elected National Assembly of 290 members who also serve four years. The Supreme Court and the four-member High Council of the Judiciary supervise enforcement of all laws and establish legal policies.The constitution guarantees certain personal freedoms and equal rights, regardless of ethnic group or tribe. While some freedoms are similar to democratic ones, others illustrate the theocracy of the government , such as the right to choose employment as long as it isn't contrary with Islam, and freedom of the press except when it is damaging to the principles of Islam. If a person disagrees with the government, he or she could be arrested for treason. Women have far fewer rights than men, and their peaceful demonstrations for equality have been met with violence.
The Monarchy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia- The government of Saudi Arabia is a monarchy, and the king is both chief government and religious official. There is no constitution as Islamic law governs Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has no legislature or political parties. Men aged 21 and older can vote. A group called Human Rights Watch views the Saudi justice system as highly secretive and wants it open to the public. Human rights and personal freedoms are often denied in Saudi Arabia. Examples include unfair trials and extreme physical punishments. Because Saudi Arabia values its position in the world economy, its government is working to correct some of these injustices. In Saudi Arabia, a group of religious police called the mutaween roam the streets to make sure Saudi citizens follow strict codes of behavior and dress outlined by Islamic law.
SS7E5 The student will analyze different economic systems:
a. Compare how traditional, command, and market economies answer the economic questions of
(1) what to produce, (2) how to produce, and (3) for whom to produce~
Traditional- In a traditional economy, all of the economic questions are answered based on traditions. The economy does what they have always done to answer the basic economic questions.
Command- In a command economy, all of the basic economic questions are answered by the government. Citizens have no say whatsoever in determining what to produce, how to produce, or for whom to produce.
Market- In a market economy, all of the basic economic questions are determined by supply and demand. Citizens have pretty much all the power in a purely market economy.
b. Explain how most countries have a mixed economy located on a continuum between pure
market and pure command~
No country in the world is 100% command or market. This is because, if there was a purely command economy, the government would control EVERYTHING, leaving no citizen participation. But, if there was a purely market economy, the government wouldn't control ANYTHING, and citizens could get away with anything, leaving too much citizen participation. This is why every country in the world is found on a continuum, somewhere between command and market. This is called a mixed economy, although some countries are closer to one side than the others.
c. Compare and contrast the economic systems in Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey~
Israel- Has almost no natural resources. Economy is mostly based on advanced technology. Israel has a large government ownership of business but is gradually letting individuals own the companies.
Saudi Arabia- The country is rich in oil reserves and allows the country to buy goods it cannot produce. They are the world leader in oil production. The King and his advisors make most of the decisions about how and where to use the oil
profits. A lot of wealth has been invested in technologies. Over 95% of the oil industry in the country is operated by the government. Most other
industries have major government involvement also. Since the 1980’s, the Saudi government has been trying to increase private ownership of
businesses. 1/3 of Saudi Arabia GDP (wealth) is based on exports.
Turkey- For thousands of years traders have crossed Turkey from Europe to Asia. Turkey has a diversified economy with large service, manufacturing, and agricultural industries. Since the 1980’s Turkey has slowly moved from a government directed economy to a more
privately own. 1/5 of Turkey’s production is exported. The rest is consumed by domestic consumers and
the government.
SS7E6 The student will explain how voluntary trade benefits buyers and sellers in Southwest
Asia (Middle East):
a. Explain how specialization encourages trade between countries~
Specialization greatly encourages trade between countries. For instance, if one country specializes in coffee, they wouldn't trade with another country that specializes in coffee. Instead, they might trade with a country that specializes in rice, because the coffee-specializing country needs more rice, and the rice-specializing country needs more coffee. In cases like this, specialization definitely encourages trade between countries.
b. Compare and contrast different types of trade barriers, such as tariffs, quotas, and embargos~
There are many different types of trade barriers. One is a Tariff, which is a tax on an imported good. A Quota is a set limit on how much can be produced, imported, or exported. And finally, an Embargo is a trade barrier between countries which means NO TRADE WHATSOEVER!
c. Explain the primary function of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)~
The Middle East countries were not really aware of the concentration of oil wealth until World War 2, when demand for oil rose sharply. Thus, oil-producing states established the OPEC to promote their interest.
d. Explain why international trade requires a system for exchanging currencies between nations~
Most of the countries in SW Asia have their own type of currency. In order for them to pay for goods as they trade with each other, they had to establish a system of exchanging from one type of currency to another. This system is known as an exchange rate. They also have to be able to exchange their currencies with those used by other countries around the world. The currency of the United States is based on the dollar. In most of Western Europe, currency is called the Euro. In Southwest Asia, there are many different types of currency. In order for them to trade with each other, they have to be able to figure out what goods cost in each currency.
SS7E7 The student will describe factors that influence economic growth and examine their
presence or absence in Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Iran:
a. Explain the relationship between investment in human capital (education and training) and
gross domestic product (GDP)~
Well, human capital is investing in education and training so companies will have an educated work force. If there are more educated workers, then more products will be produced. And with more products to sell, the country will function more efficiently, which will raise the country's GDP.
b. Explain the relationship between investment in capital (factories, machinery, and technology)
and gross domestic product (GDP)~
If a country invests in capital resources, such as factories, machinery, and technology, then they will be able to produce their products more efficiently, which will raise the country's GDP.
c. Explain the role of oil in these countries’ economies~
In Saudi Arabia, oil is pretty much the only thing that the country can depend on. They are the leading petroleum exporter in the world, although oil is the only way that they can get almost all of their money. Iran relies on oil for its economy as well, but Israel does not. Although they have almost no oil, Israel makes up for it with their advanced technology and cut diamonds.
d. Describe the role of entrepreneurship~
The role of entrepreneurship in any country is very important. With more entrepreneurs, countries will have more businesses. With more businesses, they will be much more productive.
SS7H2 The student will analyze continuity and change in Southwest Asia (Middle East) leading
to the 21st century:
a. Explain how European partitioning in the Middle East after the breakup of the Ottoman Empire
led to regional conflict~
During World War II, the Ottoman Empire sided with the Central Powers. After the war, the government collapsed and the land of the former Ottoman Empire was divided among the victorious European countries. France was given Syria, Lebanon, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. Great Britain was given Egypt, Sudan, Jordan, and Palestine. Finally, Italy was given Libya. The British promised the Arabs their own state (stretching from Syria to the Arabian Peninsula) if they helped defeat the Ottomans. In the Balfour Declaration (1917), the British promised their support for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. Because Great Britain promised the same land to the Arabs and the Jews, this was bound to lead to conflict.
b. Explain the historical reasons for the establishment of the modern State of Israel in 1948;
include the Jewish religious connection to the land, the Holocaust, anti-Semitism, and Zionism
in Europe~
Although the British had promised the same land to the Arabs and the Jews, they decided to let the Jews have it for several reasons. For one, the Jews had a religious connection with the land; they believed that the land was given to them by God around 4,000 years ago. The Jews were also given the land because of their suffering during the Holocaust, when thousands of them were brutally killed for no reason. Therefore, the British decided that the Jews deserved the land, because it was originally their's, and due to their suffering, and the State of Israel was created on May 14, 1948. The day of its creation, Israel was attacked by the Arabs. The Arab-Israeli War (or Israeli War For Independence) lasted 8 months.
c. Describe how land and religion are reasons for continuing conflicts in the Middle East~
The Jews and Arabs still disagree to this day over who should have the right to claim Israel, which is often the cause of conflicts in the Middle East. Different religious groups also have conflicts very often and disagree over many things.
d. Explain U.S. presence and interest in Southwest Asia; include the Persian Gulf conflict and
invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq~
Persian Gulf Conflict (Operation Desert Storm)- In August 1990, Iraq wanted to gain back access to the Persian Gulf and oil. They invaded Kuwait so they could get what they wanted. The United States and others pushed Iraq back within 6 weeks. Iraq withdrew in February 1991 after they had burned over 1,000 oil reserves.
Iraq Invasion (Operation Iraqi Freedom)- In 2003, the United States, Great Britain, and other countries invaded Iraq because they believed that there were WMDs in Iraq that were aiding Al-Qaeda. Saddam Hussein's government collapsed and no WMDs were ever found. Hussein was found, tried, and executed in 2006.
Afghanistan Invasion (Operation Enduring Freedom)- In 2001, the United States invaded Afghanistan because they believed that the Taliban was aiding Osama bin Laden. On May 2, 2011 at 1:00 A.M., Navy seals raided Osama bin Laden's compound in Pakistan. He was shot and killed in the raid, and was buried at sea within 24 hours because no country would accept his remains.