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Explore the complex histories of Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq, from conflicts to reforms, capturing the essence of the region's rich past and uncertain future.
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The Fertile Crescent Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq
Jordan • Jordan’s history is tied into the conflict of Israel. Israel gets West Bank, Jordan loses it and its money and farmland. • A constitutional monarchy – Ruled by a king, but the people are protected. • ½ of population are former Palestinians who have become a large part of Jordan’s politics and economy.
Lebanon • Beautiful beaches, nice climate. The capital, Beirut, once called "Paris of Middle East”. • 1958 & 1975 – Civil War between the Christians and Muslims causes chaos. • 1980s PLO enters Lebanon, Israel attacks, America intervenes. Lebanese Muslims bomb U.S. embassy. For 12+ years it is true anarchy. • Peace has been restored since 2000.
Syria • Syria has always been prosperous due to good farmland. • Turkey has been damming Syria’s main water source, the Euphrates. This could devastate the country. • Was run by a dictator until 2000, when the new president began political and economic reform.
Iraq (Part 1) • Originally Mesopotamia, 1st Civilization. • Most of land sits between Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Fertile soil, good crops. • Oil discovered in 1920’s, Iraq quickly modernized, rebuilt ancient city of Baghdad. • 1980 – War with Iran. Hussein attacks Iran, Iran counterattacks. Iraq has better weapons. • Oil fields destroyed, US steps in. UN calls ceasefire. Both countries left in heavy debt.
Iraq (Part 2) • 1990 - Hussein attacks Kuwait for more oil. US and others step in. Iraq defeated, 85,000 soldiers and thousands of civilians killed. • Ceasefire ends war. Iraq breaks it, US responds with oil embargo. Caused great economic loss in Iraq. • After 9/11/01, US suspects WMD in Iraq, others urge further investigate. US ousts Hussein in 1 month. What is next?