This document discusses why the Middle East is relevant and important to study. It provides several reasons: 1) The Middle East impacts the Western world through terrorism, oil prices, and economic stability. Higher oil prices affect consumer costs and conflicts can disrupt markets. 2) The Middle East is the origin of Abrahamic religions like Christianity and Islam, which have profoundly shaped Western culture. It is also a region with a rich history spanning millennia. 3) Stereotyping all Middle Easterners as terrorists is irrational, as most condemn violence and live ordinary lives. Understanding the people is key to overcoming fears and misconceptions. The Middle East remains deeply interconnected with the Western world through geopol

1. The Middle East
Believe It. It IS Relevant.

2. 1. Headline reaction
• The East is no longer something to ignore
The politics, trends and events impact the
West directly
• For example, traveling abroad; people might
think twice due to past terrorist attacks, and
what is occurring in the Middle East in the
headlines.
Due to these attacks and events there are
tighter restrictions on airport security,
longer lines, and screenings.

3. 2. Oil and Economy
• Most of the world’s oil reserves are
in the Middle Eastern Region
The higher the Middle East makes a
country pay for oil barrels the more
people pay at the pumps.
• War, rumors of war, or militancy can
upset economic balance.
Ex. In 2002 the Jakarta Stock
Exchange fell by 10%, because
investors worried foreign firms
would pull out due to the bombings
of two Bali night clubs.

4. 3. judo-Christian tradition
• There are 1.2 Billion Muslims in the world.
An est. 5 million Muslims live in the U.S.; If
you pay taxes you are supporting military
and economic aid to both Israel and Egypt,
as well as Turkey
• The Bible’s origin is from Mesopotamia,
Canaan, and Egypt; Hell has played a great
part in Western religion, literature, and
culture. Many movies/books have themes
that originate from characteristics of Hell.
Why do we have Sunday off? Sunday is a
religious day of rest that is embedded into
our culture that was birthed in the Middle
East

5. 4. Irrational fear
• Muslims feel slighted and sometimes
offended by Western stereotypes and
connotations.
Most Muslims renounce the terrorist
attacks and condemn those who harm
innocent civilians.
• Israeli Defense Forces argue that they
should be called “Freedom Fighters”
not terrorists.
Most Middle Easterners are pacifists,
and have never practiced violence, let
along hold a gun.

6. 5. Art, History, Architecture
• The Middle East contains the most
holiest sites (Wailing Wall, Dome of
the Rock, Church of the Sepulcher)
for the three largest practiced
religions in the world; Islam, Judaism,
and Christianity.
5 millennia of art and architecture
tell the history of the Middle East.
• Pyramids and Tombs in Egypt give
glimpses into ancient,civilized life.

7. 6. Humanitarian issues
• War and terrorism plague the Middle East.
Somalia for instance in 1992 fell victim to civil
war, and drought.
• Tribal warlords demand loyalty from starving
population in return for food.
• Rival factions use force to sever food supply
routes, and extort money from relief
agencies.
U.S, U.N peacekeepers went to Somalia to
lend a hand in relief efforts.
• Peacekeepers still attend to countries that

8. 7. The Greatest asset
• Main reason to study the Middle East-
People and their customs.
Middle Easterners live a routined life,
taking care of families, doing school
work, playing games, playing sports,
writing, laughing with friends, etc.
• Middle Easterners are some of the most
hospitable people found on Earth.
• There are a few people who have ill
views, but one most look at their side.
• Trash the stereotypes, and keep an
open mind.

9. WHY STUDY the MIDdle East?
• SILLY QUESTION!!!
• The Middle East has negative
connotations attached to it, due to
terrorist events. We must learn to
understand that the Middle East is part of
the global community. The people,
although a little bit more conserved, like
to enjoy sports, parties, and time with
family as much as we do. They practice a
religion that has become part of Western
culture, and they despise evil acts that
harm innocent people. They have a
civilized culture like the West with art,
literature, and history. And we depend
on them as much as they depend on us.

10. The Middle East
Believe It. It IS Relevant.