2. Islam Religion wasn't a religion only recognized nationally the religion was spread along the countries bordering the Indian ocean Flexible and changing to suit different needs of the nations, especially social needs, retaining it's main philosophy Muslim was a peaceful religion which got along with their Buddhist and Hindu neighbors in other countries
3. The Indian Ocean: growth for shifting powers in the 21st century According to Kaplan, the Indian ocean's location and the interests of the countries bordering it makes it a center area of development/shift of powers in the 21st century Important to the spread of islam due to the trade routes and power of influence to the neighboring countries Currently a neutral zone because there isn't a single country that currently regulates commerce in it However India and China are both growing powers economically and are thirsty for oil
4. Importance of Oman for oil Trade power in Indian Ocean Officially called the Sultanate of Oman, which is an Arab state in the southwest Asia on the southeast coast of the Arabian peninsula Oman is a primary trade power in Indian Ocean It was never part of the British empire formally Maintained friendly ties with Iran Center for peace in the volatile middle east with good relations with the rest of the world Important oil exporter because of many accessible ports and large amounts of oil
5. Center of trade: Strait of Malacca Joins the Pacific Ocean on the west and Indian Ocean together Trade routes of Japan and Red sea passes the Straight of Malacca This strait is located in Asia between the Malaysian peninsula and Indonesian Island of Sumuatra Importance of the strait: Malacca, a city in Malaysia is the center of trade between China and India and Indonesia produces oil and supplies natural gas Area for center of trade
