US Interest in the Middle East
WHY IS THE US INVOLVED IN THE MIDDLE
EAST?
LEQ …
LET’S LOOK AT A FEW REASONS!
Why do YOU think the US is involved the Middle
East?
War on terrorismAnti-AmericanismBreeding ground for terrorists
Remember the terrorists groups … Hamas Al Qaeda
Think about … who is the US’ ally in the Middle East?
ISRAEL
Israel US strong supporter of IsraelFree trade agreement – 1985US is Israel’s largest trade partner
One of largest recipient of US foreign aid
What commodity does the Middle East have that the US is totally
dependant upon?
Oil … let’s review what we learned
yesterday!
Middle East - 60% of world’s known oil reserves
US – world’s largest single consumer of oil
Oil Reserves - Top 20 Nations
Oil Reserves
Oil Reserves by Countries in the Middle East
Based on all the previous graphs, why
is it important for
the US to keep friendly relationships
with the Middle Eastern
countries?
Think about what is going on in Syria today. What weapon was used
against Syrians?
Weapons of mass destruction
Preventing spread of WMD
Preventing spread of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons
Iraq, Iran, Libya, and now Syria - either have them OR have tried to develop them OR have used them!
Iraq used chemical weapons against Kurds – 1988 and against Iran in 1980’s
As part of requirements of end of Persian Gulf War, Iraq was to be open to inspections by UN – however, made this very difficult
Convinced Iraq possessed these, US and Britain went to war with Iraq in 2003
Ponder the following … IF an oppressed people were to gain knowledge
through education, how might that impact a country?
Human Rights / Justice Issues
Promoting freedom and democracy
US feels that lack of freedom in ME key factor in contributing to terrorism
Promotes education, rights for women, economic development
To sum up …5 reasons
War on terrorismIsraelOilThe spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMD)
Human rights (Humanitarianism)
WHICH OF THE 5 REASONS GIVEN DO YOU
FEEL IS THE MOST IMPORTANT REASON FOR THE US TO BE INVOLVED
IN THE MIDDLE EAST?
Ticket out the door …
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