3. What impact did the Cold War have on the conflict in the Midd
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3. What impact did the Cold War have on the conflict in the Midd - Leaderboard
3. What impact did the Cold War have on the conflict in the Midd - Details
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| What was Henry Kissinger’s role in Middle Eastern diplomacy in 1974-5? | He engaged in 'shuttle diplomacy' between Israeli, Egyptian, and Syrian capitals. |
| What key agreement was reached about Israeli forces in 1974-5? | Israeli forces would withdraw from part of the Golan Heights and the Suez Canal area. |
| What role did the UN play in the disengagement treaties? | UN peacekeeping forces patrolled the Golan Heights and Suez Canal area. |
| What significant announcement did Sadat make in November 1977? | He announced his intention to fly to Israel to negotiate a peace settlement. |
| What were two key issues Sadat and Begin discussed in peace negotiations? | The return of Arab land and Palestinian statehood. |
| Why did talks between Sadat and Begin stall? | Begin demanded control of the West Bank, while Sadat demanded Palestinian self-determination. |
| What was President Carter’s involvement in the peace process? | He invited Sadat and Begin to Camp David for discussions after visiting Jerusalem and Cairo. |
| When was the Treaty of Washington signed? | March 26, 1979. |
| Which two nations signed the Treaty of Washington? | Egypt and Israel. |
| What was the significance of Egypt’s recognition of Israel? | Egypt became the first Arab state to officially recognize Israel as a legitimate state. |
| What territorial concession did Israel agree to in the Treaty of Washington? | Israel agreed to withdraw from the Sinai Peninsula. |
| What agreement was made about Palestinian governance in the Camp David Accords? | The election of a self-governing Palestinian authority was proposed. |
| What was agreed about the Suez Canal and the Straits of Tiran? | Israel was guaranteed free access to both waterways. |
| What issue remained unresolved at Camp David despite the agreements? | No agreement was reached on the status of Jerusalem. |
| Why was the treaty considered a diplomatic triumph for President Carter? | He had created alliances with both Israel and Egypt. |
| Why did the treaty undermine the US's image as a neutral mediator? | It failed to secure Palestinian autonomy. |
| What benefit did Israel gain from the treaty in terms of security? | It neutralized Egypt, the biggest Arab power, and exchanged land for peace. |
| What did the USA promise Israel regarding oil? | The USA agreed to meet or subsidize Israel’s oil needs for the next 15 years. |
| What territorial benefit did Egypt gain from the treaty? | Egypt regained the Sinai Peninsula. |
| Why did some Arab states and Islamist elements oppose the treaty? | They were angered by Egypt's recognition of Israel, leading to Sadat's assassination in 1981. |
| How did the treaty impact Palestinians? | It increased their vulnerability due to continued Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and a lack of dialogue with the PLO. |
| Where was oil first discovered in Persia in 1908? | Masjed Soleyman, by the Anglo-Persian Oil Company (APOC). |
| Which country became a dominant oil player after the 1938 discovery of the Ghawar oil field? | Saudi Arabia. |
| What strategic partnership was established between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia in 1945? | King Abdulaziz and President Roosevelt agreed on U.S. access to oil in exchange for security guarantees. |
| What action did Mohammad Mossadegh take in 1951 regarding Iran’s oil industry? | He nationalized the oil industry, previously controlled by the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC). |
| What organization was founded in 1960 to unify oil-producing countries? | The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). |
| What event in 1973 demonstrated the geopolitical power of Middle Eastern oil exporters? | The oil embargo during the Yom Kippur War. |
| What financial arrangement did Saudi Arabia negotiate with foreign companies in 1950? | A 50:50 profit split, while foreign companies retained control over marketing and production. |
| Which five countries were founding members of OPEC? | Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia. |
| What does the term "Seven Sisters" historically refer to in the global oil industry? | The dominant multinational oil companies that controlled much of the world's oil production and reserves during the mid-20th century. |
| Name three of the original Seven Sisters companies and their modern equivalents. | Standard Oil of New Jersey (now part of ExxonMobil), Royal Dutch Shell (now Shell plc), and Anglo-Persian Oil Company (later British Petroleum, now BP). |
| What led Arab countries to seek more control over their natural resources? | Arab nations began asserting control after studying engineering, geology, and business abroad and feeling exploited by multinational oil companies. |
| What action did the Seven Sisters take in 1959 that angered Arab oil producers? | They reduced the value of Arab oil by $132 million. |
| Why was OPEC founded in 1960? | To increase the bargaining power of oil-producing nations and reduce the control of multinational oil companies. |
| What were the founding member countries of OPEC? | Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela. |
| What was OPEC’s primary strategy for stabilizing oil prices? | By controlling production levels to balance supply and demand. |
| What event in 1973 caused an oil embargo on the U.S. and its allies? | Nixon’s promise of $2.2 billion in arms to Israel during the Yom Kippur War. |
| How did the closure of the Suez Canal (1967-1975) impact Europe? | Oil tankers were forced to take longer routes, leading to shortages in Europe. |
| Why was the United States initially at a disadvantage in influencing the Middle East during the Cold War? | The U.S. was seen as pro-Zionist due to its support for Israel and as a continuation of British and French imperialism, which alienated Arab nations. |
| How did Arab perceptions of the U.S. as pro-Zionist affect its influence in the region? | Many Arab nations distrusted the U.S. and viewed its policies as undermining Arab sovereignty, pushing them closer to the Soviet Union. |
| What two events in 1956 triggered direct U.S. intervention in the Middle East? | The Suez Crisis and the discovery of vast oil reserves in the Arabian Peninsula. |
| Why did the United States condemn British, French, and Israeli actions during the Suez Crisis? | The U.S. feared that inaction would drive Arab nations closer to the Soviet Union, as the USSR opposed Western imperialism. |
| What message did the U.S. convey by opposing its allies in the Suez Crisis? | It reaffirmed its commitment to the Atlantic Charter (1941) and support for Arab sovereignty, differentiating itself from colonial powers. |
| What was the significance of the Eisenhower Doctrine in U.S. policy toward the Middle East? | It marked a commitment to counter Soviet influence by offering military and economic aid to Middle Eastern nations resisting communism. |
| How did the U.S. fill the power vacuum after Britain's withdrawal from the Persian Gulf in 1971? | By relying on Iran and Saudi Arabia as regional allies in a "two-pillar strategy" to maintain stability and protect U.S. interests. |
| What was the "two-pillar strategy," and why was it adopted by the U.S.? | A strategy that relied on Iran and Saudi Arabia as regional powers to counter Soviet influence and secure oil resources. |
| Why was Saudi Arabia’s relationship with Israel a potential challenge for U.S. policymakers during the Cold War? | Saudi Arabia, as a member of the Arab League, was opposed to Israel, complicating U.S. efforts to balance its alliances. |
| How did the 1973 Yom Kippur War expose the flaws in the U.S. "two-pillar strategy"? | Gulf States imposed an oil embargo on the U.S. in response to its support for Israel, revealing the interconnectedness of Middle Eastern and Gulf politics. |
| What was the impact of the 1973 oil embargo on U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East? | It forced the U.S. to reconsider its regional alliances and highlighted the importance of securing stable access to oil. |
| How did the fall of the Shah in Iran in 1979 disrupt U.S. strategy in the region? | The U.S. lost a key ally when Iran became an Islamic republic, weakening its influence and destabilizing its "two-pillar" approach. |
| Why did the U.S. initially maintain "strict neutrality" during the Iran-Iraq War? | The U.S. aimed to weaken both countries by prolonging the conflict and avoiding overt alignment with either side. |
| What led the U.S. to begin supplying arms to both Iran and Iraq during their conflict? | The U.S. sought to balance power and prevent either country from gaining a decisive advantage, thus maintaining regional stability. |
| How did the U.S. secure its interests during the "war of oil tankers" in the 1980s? | The U.S. deployed naval forces to the Persian Gulf, flagged oil tankers, and increased arms sales to protect shipping lanes. |
| Why did the U.S. provide arms to Iraq directly and to Iran indirectly during the Iran-Iraq War? | The U.S. supported Iraq to counter Iranian advances while secretly supplying Iran through Israel to maintain leverage over both sides. |
| How did the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 affect U.S. policy in the Middle East? | It intensified U.S. efforts to counter Soviet influence, including supporting Afghan mujahideen and increasing military presence in the region. |
| What role did the U.S. play in supporting Saddam Hussein during the Iran-Iraq War? | The U.S. provided intelligence, economic aid, and weapons to Iraq to counterbalance Iran’s influence. |
| What were the key principles of the Eisenhower Doctrine? | The U.S. would offer military and economic aid to Middle Eastern nations resisting communist aggression and protect their sovereignty. |
| How was the Eisenhower Doctrine implemented in Lebanon in 1958? | U.S. Marines were sent to stabilize Lebanon during a political crisis, demonstrating America’s commitment to the region. |
| What were the criticisms of the Eisenhower Doctrine? | Critics argued it oversimplified regional dynamics, conflating nationalism with communism and ignoring local complexities. |
| How did U.S. Cold War policies conflate nationalism and communism in the Middle East? | The U.S. often viewed anti-colonial movements as Soviet-inspired, ignoring their roots in regional aspirations for independence. |
| What was the strategic importance of oil in shaping U.S. Middle East policy during the Cold War? | Oil was vital for economic and military strength, making its secure supply a key priority for U.S. foreign policy. |
| How did the U.S. attempt to counter Soviet influence in the Middle East through economic aid? | Programs like the Marshall Plan and bilateral aid deals aimed to strengthen economies and reduce Soviet appeal. |
| What role did Arab nationalism play in complicating U.S. policies in the region? | Arab nationalism often opposed U.S. policies, viewing them as imperialist and favoring non-alignment or Soviet alliances. |
| Why was the U.S. concerned about Soviet-Arab relations during the early Cold War? | Soviet support for Arab states threatened to undermine U.S. influence and destabilize access to vital oil resources. |
| How did U.S. policies in the Middle East affect its alliances with European nations? | The U.S. often clashed with European allies, as seen during the Suez Crisis, prioritizing its global Cold War strategy over European interests. |
| Why did the U.S. begin to see the Gulf States as integral to Middle Eastern politics after 1973? | The oil embargo demonstrated the Gulf States’ economic and political influence over global energy markets and regional stability. |
| What long-term effects did the U.S.'s Cold War policies have on its relationships in the Middle East? | U.S. support for authoritarian regimes and Israel created lasting tensions with many Arab nations and fueled anti-American sentiment. |
| How did Cold War dynamics increase U.S. involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts over time? | The U.S. became deeply involved in military, economic, and political interventions to counter Soviet influence and secure strategic interests. |
| What did the USSR do during the Iran-Iraq War in 1980? | The USSR adopted a neutral stance but supplied weapons to Iraq. |
| What did the USSR do during the Iran-Iraq War in 1980? | The USSR adopted a neutral stance but supplied weapons to Iraq. |
| What did the USSR do during the Iran-Iraq War in 1980? | The USSR adopted a neutral stance but supplied weapons to Iraq. |
| What did the USSR do during the Iran-Iraq War in 1980? | The USSR adopted a neutral stance but supplied weapons to Iraq. |
| What did the USSR do during the Iran-Iraq War in 1980? | The USSR adopted a neutral stance but supplied weapons to Iraq. |
| What did the USSR do during the Iran-Iraq War in 1980? | The USSR adopted a neutral stance but supplied weapons to Iraq. |
| What did the USSR do during the Iran-Iraq War in 1980? | The USSR adopted a neutral stance but supplied weapons to Iraq. |
| What did the USSR do during the Iran-Iraq War in 1980? | The USSR adopted a neutral stance but supplied weapons to Iraq. |
| What did the USSR do during the Iran-Iraq War in 1980? | The USSR adopted a neutral stance but supplied weapons to Iraq. |
| What did the USSR do during the Iran-Iraq War in 1980? | The USSR adopted a neutral stance but supplied weapons to Iraq. |
| What plan did the Soviet Union support in 1947 that endorsed the creation of Israel and an Arab state? | The United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine. |
| What event marked the start of significant Soviet arms sales to Egypt in 1955? | The Czech-Egyptian Arms Deal. |
| Which 1956 event saw the Soviet Union support Egypt against British, French, and Israeli aggression? | The Suez Crisis. |
| Which organization did the Soviet Union support in 1964, aimed at representing Palestinian interests? | The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). |
| What treaty was signed between the USSR and Iraq in 1971, marking their close relationship? | The Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation. |
| Which revolution in 1979 ended Iran's pro-Western monarchy and created tensions with the USSR? | The Islamic Revolution in Iran. |
| What event in 1991 ended the Soviet Union's role as a superpower in the Middle East? | The collapse of the Soviet Union. |
| Which country did the Soviet Union turn to for support after the U.S. became Israel's main ally? | Egypt. |
| How many Soviet military advisors were sent to Egypt and Syria after the Six-Day War? | 4,000 advisors. |
| What did Nasser discuss with the Soviet Union during his secret visit to Moscow? | Developing Egypt’s air defense system. |
| What happened after Anwar Sadat came to power in Egypt? | Soviet advisors were expelled from Egypt. |
| What major event in 1975 marked a shift in Egypt’s foreign policy? | Egypt expelled Soviet military advisors and realigned with the United States. |
| What was the Soviet Union’s reaction to the Camp David Accords in 1978? | The USSR condemned the Camp David Accords as a Western-backed betrayal of Arab unity. |
| How did the Soviet Union initially respond to the Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979? | The USSR attempted to court the new regime but faced hostility due to ideological differences and Iran's Islamic identity. |
| What did the USSR do during the Iran-Iraq War in 1980? | The USSR adopted a neutral stance but supplied weapons to Iraq. |