Assignment

I . The Cold War affected the political dynamics of the Middle East from 1945 to 1989. Discuss how US policy toward the Middle East was influenced by its role in the Cold War against the Soviet bloc. Specifically, how was US policy formulated toward the Middle East to address Cold War issues? You may assess the policies of various U.S. presidents as well as American policies toward particular countries in the region.

2. Describe the impact of the 1979 Iranian Islamic Revolution on the Middle East. How did it affect relations with the United States? How was the Revolution framed within the broader Cold War politics of the time? Also, what broader economic, political and ideological ramifications did the Revolution have on the Middle East as a region?

3. Take one (1) peripheral country in the Middle East (Iran, Israel, Turkey) and any one (1) core country (Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt) and describe the interaction between these two nations since the end of World War II. Specifically, what have been the circumstances that have shaped and defined the relationship as well as any reasons for significant changes in that relationship?

4. Oil played and continues to play a significant role in the shaping of Middle East politics. Please discuss some of the ways that "petro-politics" affected the relationship between the Middle East states and western countries such as the United States and Great Britain. How did oil influence broader regional dynamics, alliances and conflicts?