CH 27 Sections 1 and 2

The Middle East in Transition

Pan-Arabism

• The effort to unite Arabs throughout the world based on language and culture. Arose because borders were drawn by Europeans, and Arab nations were dependent on the West economically.

ShariaIslamic law uses the Koran as authority. It provides political, social, economic and personal behavior guidance.

Westernization

• Some Arabs saw Westernization as Colonialism. They wanted to return to the Koran and Sharia as the basis of law.

Extremism- Groups like al Qaeda use

terror and violence to promote their

values. They claim a holy struggle against

enemies of Islam.

Some Arab nations (Iraq and Syria)turned to socialism, and their governments took control of large

sections of the economies. They nationalized industries like oil, banking, and food processing

Agriculture in the Middle East was developed with the aid of dams, irrigation, better

fertilizers, and desalination.

The oil-rich nations of the Middle East include Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and Libya.

Urban GrowthLandless farmers look for work, education and better jobs. People work whatever jobs they can get and live in flimsy shacks.

Women’s Lives

• In conservative cities (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Tehran, Iran), women are required to veil themselves outside their homes.

Islamic Fundamentalism is a movement away from Westernization and secularism that

supports a return to the values of the Koran.