Middle East

The leading cause of river pollution in Southwest Asia is largely attributed to industrial discharge and agricultural runoff, which introduce harmful chemicals and nutrients into water bodies. Additionally, inadequate waste management practices and urbanization exacerbate the pollution problem. The contamination not only affects aquatic ecosystems but also poses significant health risks to local communities relying on these water sources for drinking and irrigation.

Oil became important in the late 19th century, particularly with the advent of the internal combustion engine and the rise of the automobile industry in the early 20th century. The discovery of significant oil reserves, like those in Pennsylvania in 1859, catalyzed its use for lighting and lubrication. By World War I, oil had become crucial for military operations, and its importance continued to grow throughout the 20th century as it became a primary energy source globally. Today, oil remains a key driver of the global economy and energy infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia is the Middle Eastern country that has historically provided the United States with significant amounts of oil. The U.S.-Saudi relationship began in the 1930s and has continued to be a cornerstone of American energy policy. Saudi Arabia is a leading member of OPEC and has one of the largest proven oil reserves in the world, making it a critical partner in global energy markets.

The use of election media to broadcast the people's revolutions in the Middle East in 2011 was seen as a democratization of information because it allowed for the rapid dissemination of news and narratives that were often suppressed by authoritarian regimes. Social media platforms and independent news outlets empowered citizens to share their experiences and mobilize support, bypassing traditional state-controlled media. This shift not only amplified voices that were previously marginalized but also fostered greater public engagement in political discourse, contributing to a more informed and active citizenry. Ultimately, it represented a significant step towards more participatory and transparent governance.

The physical geography of Central and South West Asia, characterized by vast deserts, mountain ranges, and river valleys, has significantly influenced local lifestyles. The arid landscapes, such as the Arabian Desert, have led to nomadic pastoralism and limited agricultural practices, while fertile river valleys, like those of the Tigris and Euphrates, have fostered settled agriculture and urban development. Mountain ranges, such as the Himalayas, create natural barriers that affect trade routes and cultural exchange, contributing to diverse regional identities. Overall, geography has shaped settlement patterns, economic activities, and social structures in these areas.

Between 1485 and 1603, the Middle East experienced significant political and cultural changes, primarily due to the rise of the Ottoman Empire. Under Suleiman the Magnificent, who ruled from 1520 to 1566, the empire expanded its territories, enhancing trade and cultural exchanges. This period also saw the Safavid Empire establish Shi'ism in Persia, leading to religious and political rivalries with the Sunni Ottomans. Additionally, European powers began to explore and establish trade routes, influencing the region's economy and interactions.

The natural resource abundant in North Africa and Southwest Asia is petroleum, commonly known as oil. This region contains some of the world's largest oil reserves, particularly in countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Libya. The extraction and export of oil have significantly shaped the economies and geopolitics of these countries. Additionally, natural gas is also a valuable resource in this area.

As of 2021, the United States has spent over $6 trillion on military operations, reconstruction, and humanitarian aid in the Middle East since the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan. This figure includes costs from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as other military engagements and support in the region. Spending continues to evolve, so more recent estimates may vary.

Arabs and Kurds predominantly follow Islam, with the majority of Arabs being Sunni Muslims, although there are significant Shia populations, particularly in countries like Iraq and Lebanon. Kurds also primarily practice Sunni Islam, but there are notable Shia communities among them as well as followers of other religious traditions, such as Yazidism and Alevi Islam. Both groups have diverse cultural and religious practices that reflect their unique histories and social contexts.

The average temperatures in the Northeast region of the United States can vary significantly depending on the season. In winter, temperatures typically range from the low 20s°F (-6°C) to the mid-30s°F (1-2°C). In summer, average temperatures usually range from the mid-70s°F (24°C) to the low 90s°F (32°C). However, specific averages can differ by state and elevation.

The conflict between African farmers and Arab nomadic grazers in Darfur primarily stems from competition over scarce resources, particularly land and water. As desertification and climate change intensify, tensions rise as farmers seek to cultivate their land while nomadic grazers need access for their livestock. This struggle has escalated into violence, fueled by ethnic divisions and historical grievances, leading to significant humanitarian crises in the region. The conflict has also been exacerbated by political factors, including government favoritism towards the Arab nomads.

The river labeled with the number 11 on the map is likely the Tigris River. The Tigris, along with the Euphrates River, is one of the two major rivers in the region and has been a crucial water source for agriculture, drinking water, and supporting populations throughout history. It flows through several countries, including Turkey, Iraq, and Iran, playing a vital role in the Middle East's ecosystem and economy.

In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is often cited as a country where citizens have the fewest voting rights. While there are municipal elections, the country does not hold national elections, and political parties are banned. Moreover, the monarchy has significant control over political life, limiting citizens' ability to participate in governance. This lack of democratic structures and restricted political freedoms underscores the limited voting rights available to Saudi citizens.

Britain's interests in the Middle East during the late 19th and early 20th centuries included securing vital trade routes, particularly the Suez Canal, and accessing oil resources, which became increasingly important with the rise of industrialization. These interests often conflicted with the Ottoman Empire's control over the region, as Britain sought to expand its influence and support local nationalist movements to weaken Ottoman rule. The resulting tensions contributed to Britain's involvement in World War I and the eventual dismantling of the Ottoman Empire. Ultimately, Britain's ambitions in the Middle East set the stage for future geopolitical conflicts in the region.

One long-term effect of the Arab-Israeli conflict on the Middle East has been the persistent instability and fragmentation of the region. The conflict has fueled nationalist movements, extremist ideologies, and sectarian tensions, exacerbating divisions among Arab states and communities. Additionally, it has hindered economic development and cooperation, as resources are often diverted to military expenditures rather than addressing social and economic challenges. Overall, the conflict has contributed to a cycle of violence and political unrest that continues to affect regional dynamics.

The Big Three—Britain, France, and Russia—split up the Middle East after World War I primarily to expand their own imperial interests in the region. The Sykes-Picot Agreement of 1916 established spheres of influence, dividing the territories of the Ottoman Empire among them. This division aimed to secure strategic advantages and access to resources, while also managing local nationalist movements. The arbitrary borders drawn during this period have since contributed to ongoing conflicts and instability in the region.

The Middle East experiences limited rainfall primarily due to its arid climate and geographical features. The region is dominated by high-pressure systems and descending air, which inhibit cloud formation and precipitation. Additionally, the presence of large desert areas, such as the Arabian Desert, contributes to low humidity and reduced rainfall. Topographical barriers, like mountains, can also create rain shadows, further decreasing precipitation in surrounding areas.

A formal factor that connects Egypt to Africa, Europe, and Southwest Asia is its geographical location at the crossroads of these regions. Situated at the northeastern corner of Africa, Egypt shares borders with both the Mediterranean Sea to the north (linking it to Europe) and the Sinai Peninsula, which connects it to Southwest Asia. Additionally, Egypt's historical significance as a center of trade and cultural exchange has established deep-rooted connections with neighboring regions, further solidifying its role as a bridge between Africa, Europe, and Southwest Asia.

Sources of conflict in the Middle East include territorial disputes, such as those between Israel and Palestine, and sectarian tensions, particularly between Sunni and Shia Muslims. Additionally, competition for resources, especially water and oil, exacerbates tensions among nations. Political instability, influenced by external interventions and authoritarian regimes, further complicates the landscape. Lastly, the rise of extremist groups has intensified violence and conflict in the region.

After World War I, the collapse of empires, such as the Ottoman Empire, led to the creation of new nation-states that often ignored existing ethnic and religious divisions. The arbitrary borders drawn by colonial powers, particularly in the Sykes-Picot Agreement, resulted in tensions among different groups vying for power and resources. Additionally, the Balfour Declaration and the subsequent establishment of Israel in 1948 intensified conflicts, particularly between Jews and Arabs, further complicating regional dynamics. These historical grievances and competing nationalisms have perpetuated conflict in the Middle East.

Although the climate of the Middle East varies, one constant is that the region generally experiences arid and semi-arid conditions, characterized by low rainfall and high temperatures. This leads to significant challenges in water availability and agriculture, impacting the livelihoods of many communities. Additionally, the region's diverse topography can create microclimates, but the overarching trend remains predominantly dry.

The Middle East is home to several major rivers, with the most significant being the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which flow through countries like Iraq and Turkey. Additionally, the Jordan River, which forms part of the boundary between Israel and Jordan, and the Nile River, primarily in Egypt, are also important in the region. Together, these rivers play a crucial role in the ecology, agriculture, and economies of the surrounding areas.

The two groups that claim land in present-day Israel are the Jewish population and the Palestinian Arabs. The conflict primarily stems from differing national identities and historical narratives, particularly the Jewish connection to the land as their ancestral homeland and the Palestinian Arabs' claim to self-determination and historical presence in the region. This cultural trait of deeply rooted historical and religious ties to the land fuels ongoing tensions and disputes over sovereignty and rights.

The Middle East Accords, particularly the Oslo Accords of the 1990s, marked a significant step toward peace between Israel and the Palestinians by establishing mutual recognition and outlining a framework for Palestinian self-governance. These agreements aimed to address critical issues such as borders, security, and the status of Jerusalem, fostering hope for a two-state solution. Despite subsequent challenges and setbacks, the Accords represented a pivotal moment in Israeli-Palestinian relations, highlighting the potential for dialogue and compromise in a historically conflict-ridden region.

In addition to crops, people in the Middle East benefited from their strategic geographical location, which facilitated trade and cultural exchange between continents. The region's rich natural resources, including minerals and oil, also contributed to economic development. Moreover, the Middle East was home to early advancements in technology, mathematics, and writing, laying the foundation for future civilizations. These factors collectively fostered the growth of complex societies and influential civilizations.