2. The Arab World Morocco is a country with two distinct cultures: Arab and Berber. Pre-Islamic culture suffocates Arab development. The integration of Islamist parties into the government is difficult because the monarchy does not support these parties. Arab regions control the government in Tunisia. Although Tunisia shows great development, especially in women’s rights, literacy, and social equality, the people their still live under authoritarian rule.
3. Israel: China’s 2nd largest weapon supplier Plans to urbanize will link Jenin, Nablus, Ramallah, East Jerusalem, and Hebron with Gaza City and Rafah. This would create new homes along the railways and gas and electricity lines. It would also create more jobs. Jerusalem has been at the center of a long internal war between Jews, Christians, and Muslims. This has led to Christian migration out of Jerusalem. Israel’s occupation of Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem has led to the migration of 250,000 settlers. Israel is a Jewish state with Palestinian influence. Urbanization Religion
4. Egypt: The “New Cairo” 5 billion in annual fees is the result of Egypt’s booming Suez Canal Port. The Sinai Peninsula is the place where people find work at slave wages. Tourist revenues are not put into making the peninsula a better crossing. Immigration of Palestinians to the Rafah border is where most enter Egypt. King Ptolemy II built largest library in Egypt, and even though the building burnt down, it is still a place of intellectual influence. Egypt’s market place is booming due to European investment. American investment does not supersede Egypt’s investment in the U.S. China is Egypt’s top trading partner.
5. Iraq and Iran Saddam Hussein was a very powerful dictator who used defense weapons for invading neighbors. American occupation in Iraq has stemmed terrorist attacks and clashes between Sunni and Shi’a Muslims. Kurdistan had autonomy from Iraq since 1991, and they live in the mountains, secluding themselves from Iraqi’s. They have practiced non-violent government and have established an economy for themselves. Iraq may no longer exist after Civil War but Kurdistan will begin to thrive. No political stability achieved in Iran. They rely on World Bank Loans. Oil is its revenue but during the revolution of 1979, its economic stability declined after the existing government was threatened. U.S. investment of Iranian military and nuclear program put civilian and commercial needs on backburner. Europe is its top trading partner. Iran’s South Pars field holds the largest natural gas reserve. China signed $70 billion contract for this revenue. Conflict in Iraq Corruption in Iran
