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United States and the Middle East

United States and the Middle East. In the Post World War II World. 1948. Creation of Israel. During and after World War II many Jews immigrated to Palestine In 1948 the UN created “Israel” by dividing Palestine in half (one Jewish state & one Arab state)

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United States and the Middle East

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  1. United States and the Middle East In the Post World War II World

  2. 1948 Creation of Israel • During and after World War II many Jews immigrated to Palestine • In 1948 the UN created “Israel” by dividing Palestine in half (one Jewish state & one Arab state) • U.S. recognizes Israel angering MANY Arab nations

  3. 1978 Camp David Accords • President Carter coordinates peace between long term enemies Israel and Egypt • Israel agrees to withdraw from Sinai Peninsula • Egypt recognizes Israel as a country (1st Arab country to do so)

  4. Iran Hostage Crisis 1979 • Revolution breaks out in Iran • Ayatollah Khomeini leads a rebellion against the Shah who was supported by the U.S. • Shah is overthrown • Shah has cancer and travels to U.S. for treatment • Iranians seized American Embassy in Tehran • 52 Americans taken hostage • Iranians demand return of Shah • President Carter refuses demands • Hostages released in January 1981

  5. 1986 Iran-Contra Affair Civil War in Nicargua • between dictator Somoza and Sandinistas • Sandinistas win • President Carter recognizes new government & sends $83 million in aid • 1981 President Reagan fears Sandinistas have a communist connection • Reagan supports anti-Sandinista group: Contras • Congress passes Boland Amendment to ban aid to contras

  6. Iran • Iran & Iraq engaged in war • U.S. supported Iraq • 1983 Iranian terrorists take 7 Americans hostage • Reagan responds by encouraging Allies to stop selling Iran weapons • 1986 Reagan sells Iran weapons in exchange for return of hostages • Reagan passes profit from weapons sales to Contras in Nicaragua • 1987 Congress investigates and members of Reagan’s staff held responsible – Reagan is not

  7. Persian Gulf War 1990 • Iraq in debt as a result of ongoing war with Iran • In August 1990, Saddam attempts to acquire funds by invading oil rich Kuwait and moves toward Saudi Arabia • together, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia possess 50% of all known oil reserves • American oil supply threatened • U.S. launches Operation Desert Storm to liberate Kuwait • air assault launched in January 1991 • February 28, 1991 cease-fire announced • Kuwait liberated • UN forces have less than 400 casualties • Over 100,000 Iraqi casualties • Iraq has to agree to stop production of biological, chemical, & nuclear weapons – U.N. has the right to inspect Iraq

  8. Afghanistan 2001 • After September 11, U.S. declares “War Against Terror” • It is believed that Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda are being supported by the Afghani government (Taliban) • U.S. begins bombing Afghanistan • Taliban are removed from power & democratic elections are held in Afghanistan • Osama is still missing & al-Qaeda is spread throughout the Middle East & world • U.S. currently maintains a military presence in Afghanistan (Taliban have re-emerged in parts of Afghanistan and in Pakistan)

  9. 2003 Operation Iraqi Freedom • In 1990s Iraq breaks cease-fire agreement from Persian Gulf War – will not allow U.N. inspectors full access • U.S. fears Iraq supporting terrorists • U.S. & Britain order Saddam to comply with inspectors & he refuses • As part of the “War on Terror” coalition forces invade in March 2003 • By April, Saddam defeated, but in hiding • December 2003 Saddam captured • Saddam was put on trial, found guilty for crimes against humanity and executed (hanged) • U.S. troops maintain occupation in attempt to help build a democracy & rebuild the country

  10. Stats: As of May 26, 2010 • Operation Iraqi Freedom • American deaths = 4,403 • Iraqi deaths = 100,000 – 1,000,000 • War on Terror (Afghanistan & beyond) • American deaths = 1,074

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