A Bare Bones History of A Bare Bones History of the Middle Eastthe Middle East

1. How will these revelations affect 1. How will these revelations affect the war effort?the war effort?

2. Should these allegations have 2. Should these allegations have been made public? Why or why not?been made public? Why or why not?

3. Are these soldiers sociopaths or 3. Are these soldiers sociopaths or does war create monsters? does war create monsters?

1800 BCE1800 BCE

Judaism FoundedJudaism Founded Lineage goes from Abraham to Lineage goes from Abraham to

Moses to David to Solomon, who built Moses to David to Solomon, who built his temple in modern-day Jerusalem.his temple in modern-day Jerusalem.

Jews flourished in the area of modern Jews flourished in the area of modern day Israel until about 100 A.D. when day Israel until about 100 A.D. when they were expelled by the Romans.they were expelled by the Romans. Romans were sick of the uprisings, Romans were sick of the uprisings,

period called the Diaspora.period called the Diaspora.

0-33 ad0-33 ad

Jesus founded Christianity.Jesus founded Christianity. Jesus is executed in Jerusalem by the Jesus is executed in Jerusalem by the

Romans with support from Jewish elders.Romans with support from Jewish elders. The Christians were heavy proselytizers and The Christians were heavy proselytizers and

Christianity spread rapidly throughout the Christianity spread rapidly throughout the Middle East and Europe, until 375 A.D. when Middle East and Europe, until 375 A.D. when it became the official religion of the Roman it became the official religion of the Roman Empire, and thus the Western World.Empire, and thus the Western World.

During the Middle Ages, many Christians During the Middle Ages, many Christians blamed Jews for the death of Jesus and blamed Jews for the death of Jesus and discriminated (to say the least) against discriminated (to say the least) against them.them.

600 a.d.600 a.d.

Mohammed founds Islam in Mecca, Saudi Mohammed founds Islam in Mecca, Saudi Arabia (current day) and Medina, Saudi Arabia (current day) and Medina, Saudi Arabia.Arabia.

He has a vision that he ascends to He has a vision that he ascends to heaven from the rock on top of heaven from the rock on top of Solomon's temple.Solomon's temple.

So Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem are the So Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem are the holiest sites in Islam, setting up conflict holiest sites in Islam, setting up conflict with Jews and Christian over Jerusalem with Jews and Christian over Jerusalem and in current day Israel.and in current day Israel.

RamadanRamadan is the month in which is the month in which believers believe that Mohammed believers believe that Mohammed received his revelations from God. received his revelations from God. The revelations are written into the The revelations are written into the KORANKORAN, the Islamic holy book., the Islamic holy book.

Al AqsaAl Aqsa

Al AqsaAl Aqsa

Is Located on the Temple Mount Is Located on the Temple Mount (Solomon’s Temple, holy to Jews) and is (Solomon’s Temple, holy to Jews) and is the place believer’s believe Mohammed the place believer’s believe Mohammed ascended to heaven, on his horse Barak.ascended to heaven, on his horse Barak.

At Al Aqsa, circa 1000 a.d., Christian At Al Aqsa, circa 1000 a.d., Christian crusaders massacred Muslim defenders, crusaders massacred Muslim defenders, making it a rallying point for Muslims in making it a rallying point for Muslims in their fight against “infidels.”their fight against “infidels.”

Jerusalem today Jerusalem today

Is the capital of Israel and all parts are Is the capital of Israel and all parts are controlled by Israel.controlled by Israel.

Palestinians want East Jerusalem to be their Palestinians want East Jerusalem to be their capital, but that’s were the wailing wall is, the capital, but that’s were the wailing wall is, the Western wall of the temple. Captured by Western wall of the temple. Captured by Jordan in 1948 War, and taken by Israel in Jordan in 1948 War, and taken by Israel in 1967, originally left as international city by 1967, originally left as international city by Brits.Brits.

Israelis are buying and building in that those Israelis are buying and building in that those religious areas.religious areas.

Islam Spreads Islam Spreads

Rapidly through the next few Rapidly through the next few hundred years.hundred years.

Islam becomes the dominate religion Islam becomes the dominate religion in the Middle East, many parts of in the Middle East, many parts of Africa, including sub-Saharan, Africa, including sub-Saharan, Central and Southern Asia.Central and Southern Asia.

Much of the conquest was done at Much of the conquest was done at the point of a sword, convert or die.the point of a sword, convert or die.

Muslim WorldMuslim World

Schism in IslamSchism in Islam

Shortly after Mohammed’s death in about Shortly after Mohammed’s death in about 630, Islam divides in two between the 630, Islam divides in two between the followers of Mohammed’s cousin, married followers of Mohammed’s cousin, married to his daughter, Ali and….to his daughter, Ali and….

the followers of his main disciples, the followers of his main disciples, establishing the establishing the caliphates, government caliphates, government protecting Islam.protecting Islam.

Followers of Ali are called Followers of Ali are called Shiites.Shiites. Followers of the caliphates are Followers of the caliphates are SunnisSunnis

Shiite Sunni split is intense and Shiite Sunni split is intense and exists todayexists today

Sunniism is the dominated group in Sunniism is the dominated group in Islam covering some 85% of all Muslims.Islam covering some 85% of all Muslims.

Shiites are a smaller, but very important Shiites are a smaller, but very important group.group.

Iran is the almost all Shiite, as is Iran is the almost all Shiite, as is southeastern Iraq, and Southern southeastern Iraq, and Southern Lebanon, with a sprinkling in Yemen (the Lebanon, with a sprinkling in Yemen (the southern part of the Saudi peninsula.)southern part of the Saudi peninsula.)

Main IssueMain Issue

Has to do with leadership and religious belief. The difference is Has to do with leadership and religious belief. The difference is enough that many Sunnis believe Shiites to be infidels because they enough that many Sunnis believe Shiites to be infidels because they worship saints.worship saints.

Shiites worship holy sites, dead Ayatollahs and SaintsShiites worship holy sites, dead Ayatollahs and Saints.. Shiites believe in an occulted (hidden) Imam who is like a messiah whose Shiites believe in an occulted (hidden) Imam who is like a messiah whose

suppose to come back on Judgment Day.suppose to come back on Judgment Day. In Sunni Islam, because its leadership are layman, it is governments In Sunni Islam, because its leadership are layman, it is governments

responsibility to ensure safety for Islam: responsibility to ensure safety for Islam: Security is more Security is more important than individual freedomimportant than individual freedom! Government is to protect ! Government is to protect Islam.Islam.

In In Shiite IslamShiite Islam separation of Mosque and Government would be separation of Mosque and Government would be ridiculous, if your leader is wired to the Prophet, why would you ridiculous, if your leader is wired to the Prophet, why would you have a separate government?have a separate government?

Shiite leaders are called Ayatollahs and are thought to be direct Shiite leaders are called Ayatollahs and are thought to be direct blood relatives of Mohammed and therefore infallible. You find blood relatives of Mohammed and therefore infallible. You find Ayatollahs in Shiite areas.Ayatollahs in Shiite areas.

Mullahs are learned men, or men who study the Koran, they are lay Mullahs are learned men, or men who study the Koran, they are lay people. Sunniism does not have a hierarchy of their religion.people. Sunniism does not have a hierarchy of their religion.

Assura commemorates Assura commemorates Hussein, Ali’s son’s death at Hussein, Ali’s son’s death at the hand of the caliphates in the hand of the caliphates in

Karbala, Iraq.Karbala, Iraq.

IraqIraq

Has a majority poor Shiite population Has a majority poor Shiite population on border with Iran.on border with Iran.

The most powerful groups in that The most powerful groups in that region have been Sunni, Saddam was region have been Sunni, Saddam was a Sunni.a Sunni.

Iraq also incorporates a large Kurdish Iraq also incorporates a large Kurdish (non Arab) Sunni population.(non Arab) Sunni population.

IraqIraq

The “insurgency” against the U.S. was mainly The “insurgency” against the U.S. was mainly led by Sunni Muslims who were afraid that the led by Sunni Muslims who were afraid that the Shiites would become a majority in a Shiites would become a majority in a democratic Iraq, which it did. (Malakki the democratic Iraq, which it did. (Malakki the Prime Minister is a Shiite).Prime Minister is a Shiite).

If Iraq becomes a Shiite dominated state, Iran If Iraq becomes a Shiite dominated state, Iran probably will become its natural ally, probably will become its natural ally, threatening Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, Sunni threatening Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, Sunni states.states.

Will religion and ethnicity win, or will Will religion and ethnicity win, or will democratic ideals?democratic ideals?

WahhabismWahhabism

In the 18In the 18thth century, a very century, a very conservative Sunni sect rose to conservative Sunni sect rose to power in current Saudi Arabia and power in current Saudi Arabia and has been dominate there ever since.has been dominate there ever since.

This explains the conservatism of the This explains the conservatism of the Saudi nation.Saudi nation.

Osama Bin Laden and his Saudi Osama Bin Laden and his Saudi followers are Wahhabis. followers are Wahhabis.

Appropriate Saudi attire for Appropriate Saudi attire for womenwomen

Ottoman EmpireOttoman Empire Ottoman Turks controlled the Middle Ottoman Turks controlled the Middle

East from 1300 to 1917East from 1300 to 1917

1919thth and early 20 and early 20thth Century Century

Britain took over a major portion of Britain took over a major portion of the Middle East from the declining the Middle East from the declining Ottoman Empire. The Capitulations.Ottoman Empire. The Capitulations.

2020thth c. Iran c. Iran

By the 1920s Britain dominated the oil By the 1920s Britain dominated the oil production of Iran, the only place production of Iran, the only place where oil had been discovered by Brits where oil had been discovered by Brits with British capital. (Europe has no oil)with British capital. (Europe has no oil)

Iranian Oil was essential for the Iranian Oil was essential for the Western Industrial Revolution once the Western Industrial Revolution once the internal combustion engine was internal combustion engine was dominate.dominate.

After World War IIAfter World War II

Britain was in declineBritain was in decline Saudi Arabia had found oil and was Saudi Arabia had found oil and was

still dominated by Western oil still dominated by Western oil companies.companies.

Many colonies of the Western Many colonies of the Western Europeans and U.S. began Europeans and U.S. began demanding independence.demanding independence.

IsraelIsrael

Israel was formed (1949) out the British Israel was formed (1949) out the British possession in current day Israel. (close U.N. possession in current day Israel. (close U.N. vote gave it legality)vote gave it legality)

Secular Socialist Jews called Zionists had Secular Socialist Jews called Zionists had begun to buy land in the area of Present-day begun to buy land in the area of Present-day Israel at the beginning of the 20Israel at the beginning of the 20thth century in century in an attempt to establish a safe, socialist state an attempt to establish a safe, socialist state there.there.

Other places had been considered, including Other places had been considered, including Uganda and Argentina.Uganda and Argentina.

IsraelIsrael

Land is the Palestinian Mandate Land is the Palestinian Mandate (Israel) was available for sale (Israel) was available for sale because much of it was owned by because much of it was owned by absentee Ottoman landowners.absentee Ottoman landowners.

Palestine has never, in modern times, Palestine has never, in modern times, been controlled by the Palestinian been controlled by the Palestinian Arabs who live there: Ottoman Turks, Arabs who live there: Ottoman Turks, British Mandate, Zionists.British Mandate, Zionists.

Israeli Green line 1949Israeli Green line 1949

<<<< West Bank of Jordan River

I think the British thought the I think the British thought the formation of Israel might be doable, formation of Israel might be doable, because of the Palestinian population because of the Palestinian population was majority poor farmers. The was majority poor farmers. The underestimated the reaction of the underestimated the reaction of the rest of the Arab world. Since then, rest of the Arab world. Since then, the Israel/Palestinian issue has been the Israel/Palestinian issue has been a cause celeb in the Islamic world.a cause celeb in the Islamic world.

19521952

Iran kicked out the monarch who was seen Iran kicked out the monarch who was seen as a western puppet and elected a guy as a western puppet and elected a guy named Mossadeq as Prime Minister.named Mossadeq as Prime Minister.

Mossadeq nationalized the BP oil fields.Mossadeq nationalized the BP oil fields. The U.S. and Britain orchestrated a coup The U.S. and Britain orchestrated a coup

there to install Shah Reza Pahlavi, a there to install Shah Reza Pahlavi, a puppet of the U.S., who was particularly puppet of the U.S., who was particularly brutal, effectively and ironically ending brutal, effectively and ironically ending democracy in Iran.democracy in Iran.

19671967

Israel fought another war with Arabs, and took Israel fought another war with Arabs, and took the lands on the west bank of the Jordan river the lands on the west bank of the Jordan river from Jordan, this area was all Arab and is now from Jordan, this area was all Arab and is now referred to as the West Bank.referred to as the West Bank.

Israel still controls the majority population with Israel still controls the majority population with martial law.martial law.

Israel has slowly but surely built all Jewish Israel has slowly but surely built all Jewish developments throughout the West Bank, developments throughout the West Bank, making the creation of an making the creation of an Arab/Palestinian/Sunni Muslim state there next Arab/Palestinian/Sunni Muslim state there next to impossible to build.to impossible to build.

West Bank Taken by Israel West Bank Taken by Israel in 67in 67

Palestinian/Israel issuesPalestinian/Israel issues

Settlements:Settlements: Israel continues to build Israel continues to build settlements on the West Bank, Palestinians settlements on the West Bank, Palestinians believe that to be future homeland.believe that to be future homeland.

Right of ReturnRight of Return: Palestinians wish the right : Palestinians wish the right to reclaim lands owned/occupied by them to reclaim lands owned/occupied by them before 1948: non starter for Israel.before 1948: non starter for Israel.

Jerusalem:Jerusalem: Palestinians want E. Jerusalem Palestinians want E. Jerusalem for their capital.for their capital.

Israel’s securityIsrael’s security: more radical Palestinians, : more radical Palestinians, Hamas, do not believe Israel has right to Hamas, do not believe Israel has right to exist and therefore no negotiations.exist and therefore no negotiations.

Freeze expired Sunday, Israeli Freeze expired Sunday, Israeli settlers get busy.settlers get busy.

Palestinian woman holds son upTo look at Israeli settlement

Iran makes mischief Iran makes mischief

Iran has funded Hezbollah, the party of Iran has funded Hezbollah, the party of God, on Israel’s northern border, a Shitte God, on Israel’s northern border, a Shitte enclave in Lebanon.enclave in Lebanon.

Israel has invaded Lebanon twice. Israel has invaded Lebanon twice. Currently Hezbollah as thousands of Currently Hezbollah as thousands of rockets supplied by Iran, ready to launch.rockets supplied by Iran, ready to launch.

Iran supplies Sunni Hamas in Gaza (on Iran supplies Sunni Hamas in Gaza (on Egyptian border) with missiles that they Egyptian border) with missiles that they used on civilian Israel populations.used on civilian Israel populations. Israel invade two years ago, atrocities on both Israel invade two years ago, atrocities on both

sides.sides.

Areas of violenceAreas of violence

Lebanon Is a very complicated Lebanon Is a very complicated placeplace

19731973

Arabs oil producers embargo the U.S. Arabs oil producers embargo the U.S. and Western Europe in protest of and Western Europe in protest of another Arab Israel War.another Arab Israel War.

1979: All Hell Breaks Loose1979: All Hell Breaks Loose

Iranian Revolution occurs as Shah is Iranian Revolution occurs as Shah is deposed and American hostages are deposed and American hostages are taken.taken.

The Soviet Union fears the spreading The Soviet Union fears the spreading the revolution to it’s ‘stans and invades the revolution to it’s ‘stans and invades Afghanistan to prevent the spread.Afghanistan to prevent the spread.

With encouragement of U.S., Iraq With encouragement of U.S., Iraq invades Iran (Sunni Saddam all for invades Iran (Sunni Saddam all for slapping down Shiite Iran).slapping down Shiite Iran).

19831983

U.S. sends marines to Beirut in an U.S. sends marines to Beirut in an attempt to protect Americans amid attempt to protect Americans amid the civil war.the civil war.

Shiite extremist blow up barracks Shiite extremist blow up barracks killing nearly 300 Americans.killing nearly 300 Americans.

We pull out.We pull out.

19881988

Soviet Red Army leaves Afghanistan Soviet Red Army leaves Afghanistan with tail between legs. U.S. has helped with tail between legs. U.S. has helped this along by supplying Stinger missiles this along by supplying Stinger missiles to the Mujahedeen, including a young to the Mujahedeen, including a young Jihadist named Osama Bin Laden.Jihadist named Osama Bin Laden.

Shortly there after, the Soviet Union Shortly there after, the Soviet Union dissolves, leaving the U.S. as sole dissolves, leaving the U.S. as sole superpower.superpower.

Iraq-Iran War endsIraq-Iran War ends

Both sides end up exactly where they Both sides end up exactly where they startedstarted

Million or more died.Million or more died. Saddam used war as an excuse to use Saddam used war as an excuse to use

chemical weapons supplied by us on chemical weapons supplied by us on the Kurds of Iraq, as well as the the Kurds of Iraq, as well as the Iranian army.Iranian army.

Iraq was broke.Iraq was broke.

19891989

After the U.S. implies that they won’t intervene, After the U.S. implies that they won’t intervene, Saddam invades KuwaitSaddam invades Kuwait, oil rich Princedom , oil rich Princedom on its southern border, next to Saudi Arabia.on its southern border, next to Saudi Arabia.

George H.W. Bush sends in the troops in George H.W. Bush sends in the troops in Desert StormDesert Storm and kicks the Iraqi’s out. and kicks the Iraqi’s out.

A little known “holy warrior,” just back form A little known “holy warrior,” just back form Jihad against the Soviets in Afghanistan, Jihad against the Soviets in Afghanistan, Osama Bin LadenOsama Bin Laden had gone to the Saudi had gone to the Saudi Kings and offers to put the Iraqi’s out, but they Kings and offers to put the Iraqi’s out, but they opt to bring in the U.S. instead.opt to bring in the U.S. instead.

He’s really mad that the He’s really mad that the infidels are in the infidels are in the holy land.holy land.

Early 90sEarly 90s

Osama moves to Sudan, and establishes the Osama moves to Sudan, and establishes the Al Al Qaeda networkQaeda network throughout the world in more throughout the world in more radical mosques, to foment global jihad.radical mosques, to foment global jihad.

The U.SThe U.S., under H.W. Bush, not wishing to ., under H.W. Bush, not wishing to create a vacuum between Iran and Saudi create a vacuum between Iran and Saudi Arabia that Iran could exploit, Arabia that Iran could exploit, leaves Saddam leaves Saddam in powerin power..

Saddam continues assaults against Shiites and Saddam continues assaults against Shiites and Kurds, who he sees as allies of Iran and the Kurds, who he sees as allies of Iran and the U.S.U.S.

19911991

After the fall of Soviet backed After the fall of Soviet backed Yugoslavia, Serbian Christians Yugoslavia, Serbian Christians attempt the genocidal extermination attempt the genocidal extermination of of Bosnian MuslimsBosnian Muslims in the Balkans. in the Balkans.

Clinton provides bombing raids (later Clinton provides bombing raids (later rather than sooner) that ends the rather than sooner) that ends the genocide.genocide.

Clinton did not end the Rwandan Clinton did not end the Rwandan genocide however. genocide however.

In the 90sIn the 90s

The Russians also fought a brutal war The Russians also fought a brutal war the Chechnyan Muslim separatists. the Chechnyan Muslim separatists.

The combination of the Serbian attacks The combination of the Serbian attacks on Bosnia, Israel-Palestinian disputes, on Bosnia, Israel-Palestinian disputes, Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the Iraqi Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and subsequent U.S. invasion of Kuwait and subsequent U.S. invasion, made it seem to many invasion, made it seem to many Muslims that the imperialists were at it Muslims that the imperialists were at it again.again.

19931993 Now President Clinton puts pressure Now President Clinton puts pressure

on Saudis to expel Bin Laden (King is on Saudis to expel Bin Laden (King is afraid of them too), Jihad is declared afraid of them too), Jihad is declared against U.S. Bin Laden becomes a against U.S. Bin Laden becomes a money man, a clearinghouse for money man, a clearinghouse for Jihadists worldwide.Jihadists worldwide.

11stst World Trade Center World Trade Center bombingbombing

Bin Laden is forced out of Sudan after Bin Laden is forced out of Sudan after pressure is put on Sudanese leader.pressure is put on Sudanese leader.

Bin Laden moves to Afghanistan.Bin Laden moves to Afghanistan. In retaliation, Bin Laden and his lieutenants In retaliation, Bin Laden and his lieutenants

hatch a plot presented by Ramsey Yousef hatch a plot presented by Ramsey Yousef to blow up the World Trade Center.to blow up the World Trade Center. Use operatives from one of their networks Use operatives from one of their networks

Mosques in Brooklyn, headed by the blind Mosques in Brooklyn, headed by the blind mullah.mullah.

The attempt fails, although six are killed The attempt fails, although six are killed and 1000 injured..and 1000 injured..

Rahman: the Blind ClericRahman: the Blind Cleric

19981998

After the Soviet defeat, a group of Pashtun After the Soviet defeat, a group of Pashtun fighters from the mountains between fighters from the mountains between Afghanistan and Pakistan called the Afghanistan and Pakistan called the TalibanTaliban had taken power in Afghanistan in the early had taken power in Afghanistan in the early 90s late 80s..90s late 80s..

The Taliban are very conservative Muslims The Taliban are very conservative Muslims and their version of Islam blends well with the and their version of Islam blends well with the Wahabbism of Bin Laden. Made Sharia the Wahabbism of Bin Laden. Made Sharia the law of the land, with amputations and law of the land, with amputations and beheadings.beheadings.

Ethnic map AfhanistanEthnic map Afhanistan

Swat ski resortSwat ski resort

Ethnic Map PakistanEthnic Map Pakistan

19981998

Bin Laden orders the Kenyan and Bin Laden orders the Kenyan and Tanzania embassies bombed in Tanzania embassies bombed in retaliation.retaliation.

Clinton orders cruise missiles to hit Al Clinton orders cruise missiles to hit Al Qaeda sites in Afghanistan and Qaeda sites in Afghanistan and Sudan, misses Bin Laden. Seems to Sudan, misses Bin Laden. Seems to always get away.always get away.

20002000

Bin Laden orders the U.S.S. Cole blown up Bin Laden orders the U.S.S. Cole blown up in Aden, Yemen, killed 17 sailors and in Aden, Yemen, killed 17 sailors and almost sank it.almost sank it.

Repeated threats are made to blow up the Repeated threats are made to blow up the World Trade Center and other U.S. sites.World Trade Center and other U.S. sites.

George W. Bush team ignores them as George W. Bush team ignores them as idol threats and intelligence community idol threats and intelligence community drops the ball, not talking with each other.drops the ball, not talking with each other.

20012001

Bin Laden succeeds in taking out the Bin Laden succeeds in taking out the World Trade Center.World Trade Center.

The U.S. invades Afghanistan, The U.S. invades Afghanistan, deposing Taliban, Bin Laden gets deposing Taliban, Bin Laden gets away, AGAIN.away, AGAIN.

20032003

Even without evidence, Bush and his team Even without evidence, Bush and his team invade Iraq looking for WMD.invade Iraq looking for WMD.

The major theory behind the invasion was The major theory behind the invasion was that if they established a working that if they established a working democratic government in Iraq, then we’d democratic government in Iraq, then we’d have a beachhead in the Middle East and have a beachhead in the Middle East and that democracy would spread from there.that democracy would spread from there.

Saddam probably wanted the world to Saddam probably wanted the world to believe that he did have WMD to deter Iran believe that he did have WMD to deter Iran from attacking.from attacking.

20032003

Sunni’s and Shiite both rose up separately Sunni’s and Shiite both rose up separately in opposition to U.S. occupation.in opposition to U.S. occupation.

Sunnis were afraid that if a democracy Sunnis were afraid that if a democracy was established then the Shiites would was established then the Shiites would take over and there would be retribution.take over and there would be retribution.

Shiite militias were controlled by Iran and Shiite militias were controlled by Iran and probably wanted to hurt the U.S. It seems probably wanted to hurt the U.S. It seems the Shiites backed off, waiting to take over the Shiites backed off, waiting to take over if U.S. imposes a democracy: watch for if U.S. imposes a democracy: watch for Iran to pull the strings.Iran to pull the strings.

2003-102003-10 The Kurds were just glad to be rid of Saddam. They The Kurds were just glad to be rid of Saddam. They

are hoping to get an independent region, free of Arab are hoping to get an independent region, free of Arab control.control.

There are still skirmishes between Kurds and Sunni There are still skirmishes between Kurds and Sunni Arabs over oil in the North. Look for Kurds and Shiites Arabs over oil in the North. Look for Kurds and Shiites to form a shaky alliance against the Sunnis.to form a shaky alliance against the Sunnis.

The Sunni insurgents and Al Qaeda Iraq continue to The Sunni insurgents and Al Qaeda Iraq continue to blow up stuff and people hoping to dissolve any blow up stuff and people hoping to dissolve any hopes at peace.hopes at peace.

The U.S. sends in a surge of troops and buys of Sunni The U.S. sends in a surge of troops and buys of Sunni tribal leaders, and they turn on Al Qaeda, violence tribal leaders, and they turn on Al Qaeda, violence decreases.decreases.

We with draw fight troops and have left 50,000 We with draw fight troops and have left 50,000 troops to protect civilians and train Iraqis.troops to protect civilians and train Iraqis.

20102010

Iran continues to expand influence Iran continues to expand influence throughout the Middle East:throughout the Middle East: They are developing Nukes.They are developing Nukes. They control Shiite militias in Iraq.They control Shiite militias in Iraq. They supply missiles to, and the Hezbollah on They supply missiles to, and the Hezbollah on

the Northern border with Israel in Lebanon.the Northern border with Israel in Lebanon. They supply missiles to and money to Hamas They supply missiles to and money to Hamas

the controlling Palestinian faction in Gaza and the controlling Palestinian faction in Gaza and the biggest Palestinian trouble Maker to the biggest Palestinian trouble Maker to Peace with IsraelPeace with Israel

20102010

Israel is now controlled by conservative Israel is now controlled by conservative Zionist (Jews who believe Israel is their Zionist (Jews who believe Israel is their God given right).God given right).

Israel has not been shown to have the Israel has not been shown to have the political will to end the developments or political will to end the developments or settlements on the West Bank. If they settlements on the West Bank. If they cannot do that, there will be no peace. If cannot do that, there will be no peace. If they current government attempts to they current government attempts to even stop new settlements, the even stop new settlements, the government will fall.government will fall.

2010: The Big Question2010: The Big Question

Can Israel remain a Theocracy and a Can Israel remain a Theocracy and a Democracy with an exploding Democracy with an exploding Palestinian population, without a Palestinian population, without a permanent military occupancy of the permanent military occupancy of the West Bank? Answer: NoWest Bank? Answer: No

It will have to be one of the other.It will have to be one of the other.

2010: Big Questions2010: Big Questions

Does the U.S. have the political will to Does the U.S. have the political will to occupy Afghanistan forever?occupy Afghanistan forever?

If we leave, will the Taliban come back?If we leave, will the Taliban come back? Can the Taliban destabilize Pakistan and Can the Taliban destabilize Pakistan and

take over there?take over there? Can the Taliban get hold of nukes and Can the Taliban get hold of nukes and

give them to Al Qaeda?give them to Al Qaeda? If Pakistan becomes a theocracy will If Pakistan becomes a theocracy will

India blow them off the map?India blow them off the map?

2010: Big Questions2010: Big Questions

When will Iran get nukes?When will Iran get nukes? Would Iran nuke Israel even if it meant Would Iran nuke Israel even if it meant

MAD?MAD? How long will Israel wait for U.S. How long will Israel wait for U.S.

diplomatic pressures to work before diplomatic pressures to work before they bomb Iran?they bomb Iran?

What will Iran do if bombed by Israel?What will Iran do if bombed by Israel? Attack Saudi Arabia? Attack Saudi Arabia? Attack Israel with Hezbollah and Hamas?Attack Israel with Hezbollah and Hamas?

2010: Big Question2010: Big Question

Are we too poor now to use our Are we too poor now to use our military against anybody else? Did military against anybody else? Did we blow all our treasure on Iraq and we blow all our treasure on Iraq and Afghanistan and leave nothing for Afghanistan and leave nothing for the future?the future?

Mullah Omar: Mullah Omar: head of Talibanhead of Taliban

Famous Sunnis

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia

Osama Bin Laden and al Zahawahiri:Al Qaeda Leaders

Hamid Karzai Prime Minister of Hamid Karzai Prime Minister of AfghanistanAfghanistan

Mullah Omar: Mullah Omar: head of Talibanhead of Taliban

Famous Sunnis

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia

Osama Bin Laden and al Zahawahiri:Al Qaeda Leaders

Famous ShiitesFamous Shiites

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Ayatollah Khomeini

Ali Khamenei Supreme leader of Iran

Muqtada al Sadr Leader Iraqi Shiites

Prime Minister Maliki

Middle East PlayersMiddle East Players

King Abdullah of Jordan, moderate,Pro Western.

Sheikh Hassan, Of Hezbollah,Not moderate.

Israel/Palestinian LeadersIsrael/Palestinian Leaders

Netanyahu Prime Minister of Israel

Mahmoud Abbas President Palestinian Authority

U.S Policy LeadersU.S Policy Leaders

Mr. Surge, leader of Military in Afghanistan.Said “You’re[expletive delete]with the wrong guy.” Hero of IraqSurge. (or was it the payoffs?)

Robert Gates Department of Defense.

Chairman Joint Chiefs, headsOf all armed forces, wants a bigger surge and to win the war. Obama said .”No!”

V.P. Biden wantsOut.

Varying policies on how to Varying policies on how to continue in Afghanistancontinue in Afghanistan

Keep large numbers of forces to secure the country (surge), put Keep large numbers of forces to secure the country (surge), put down insurgency, down insurgency,

allow for democracy to develop and train Afghan military,allow for democracy to develop and train Afghan military, keep Taliban and Al Qaeda on run with excursions into Pakistan and keep Taliban and Al Qaeda on run with excursions into Pakistan and

alliance with Pakistani military. alliance with Pakistani military. Supported by military leaders, Gen. Petraeus plan, little Iraq. Supported by military leaders, Gen. Petraeus plan, little Iraq.

Secure population centers, leave the hinterlands. Secure population centers, leave the hinterlands. Build relationships with tribal elders until Afghan non Pastuns can Build relationships with tribal elders until Afghan non Pastuns can

defend the “country”.defend the “country”. More cost effective, still requires large military presence. More cost effective, still requires large military presence. Obama, for now.Obama, for now.

Defend Kabul, focus on Al Qaeda, pull out most of military.Defend Kabul, focus on Al Qaeda, pull out most of military. use “Dalton Fury” types and drones to attack Al Qaeda and Taliban, if use “Dalton Fury” types and drones to attack Al Qaeda and Taliban, if

necessary. many fewer forces and money;. necessary. many fewer forces and money;. Leave Afghanistan to Afghans.Leave Afghanistan to Afghans. Biden advocated all along.Biden advocated all along.