The document summarizes key events related to conflict in the Middle East, including the establishment of Israel in 1948 which led to the Arab-Israeli conflict over Palestine. It discusses Egypt's blockade against Israeli ships in the late 1950s and the resulting Six Day War that tripled Israel's size. The formation of OPEC in 1960 led to large oil price increases and shortages. The Camp David Accords in 1979 established an Israeli-Egyptian peace treaty. It also outlines Nasser's rise in Egypt and promotion of Pan-Arabism, as well as turmoil in Iran and Iraq including the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and Iraq's war with Iran from 1980-1989 led by Saddam Hussein.

1. Conflict in the Middle East & The
Challenge of Terrorism
Ch.15.2-3

2. The Middle East and Palestine
• Israel proclaimed independence in 1948
– Created Arab-Israeli conflict because of disputes over Palestine
• In the late 1950’s Egypt set up a blockade against Israeli
ships so they could not move through the Gulf of Aqaba
• Started a 6 day war- Israel tripled its size
• 1960 several oil-producing nations formed the OPEC
(Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) to control
oil prices- led to huge price increases and oil shortages
• Jimmy Carter helped create the Camp David Accords- an
agreement to sign an Israeli-Egyptian peace treaty, signed
in 1979

3. Nasser and Pan-Arabism
• Gamal Abdel Nasser became leader in Eypt in
1956
• He siezed the Suez Canal Company
threatening France and Great Britain’s world
position
• Began Suez war of 1956
• Nasser won and began to promote Pan-
Arabism, or Arab unity
– Wanted to share resources

4. Turmoil in Iran and Iraq
• Iran became rich because of oil and the
leadership of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi
– Many Muslims disagreed with new culture and
American influence
– Protests were organized against the Shah and he fled
the country in 1979
• Iran became a republic
• Iraq was led by Saddam Hussein
– Launched an attack on Iran in 1980- a very brutal war
– Cease-fire signed in 1989