Conflict in Middle East History

A 1917 public statement by the British government expressing support for the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine, while acknowledging the rights of non-Jewish communities.

A document issued by the League of Nations in 1923 that gave Great Britain the responsibility of establishing a Jewish national homeland in Palestine.

The movement advocating for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine.

A broad feeling of unity and shared identity among Arabs, seeking common interests and independence from foreign powers.

A 1947 UN plan to partition Palestine into two states, one Jewish and one Arab, aimed at resolving conflict and establishing peace.

A 1948-1949 conflict arising from the establishment of Israel and the subsequent war between Israel and neighboring Arab states.

The end of British control over Palestine, marking the beginning of the First Arab-Israeli War and the creation of the state of Israel.

The creation of the nation-state of Israel in Palestine, announced on May 14, 1948.

A series of ten letters exchanged between Sharif Hussein of Mecca and Sir Henry McMahon, the British High Commissioner in Egypt. This correspondence aimed to secure British support for an independent Arab state in exchange for starting an Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I.

The Arab revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I, primarily fueled by the promises of independence made by Britain in the Husain-McMahon correspondence.

The secret agreement signed between Britain and France in 1916, outlining the division of the Middle East into zones of influence after the Ottoman Empire's defeat. It contradicted the promises of Arab independence made in the Husain-McMahon correspondence.

The areas outlined in the Husain-McMahon correspondence that were excluded from the promised Arab independence, including regions like Mersina, Alexandretta, and the land west of Damascus (Homs, Hama, Aleppo).

British interests in Baghdad and Basra, which were considered important enough to be excluded from the Arab independence promised in the Husain-McMahon correspondence.

The conflicting promises made by Britain to both Arab and Jewish groups regarding the fate of the Middle East. On one hand, they promised Arab independence through the Husain-McMahon correspondence, but on the other, they pledged support for a Jewish homeland in Palestine through the Balfour Declaration.

The complex and contentious situation in the Middle East, arising from the unfulfilled promises made by Britain during World War I. This led to a lack of trust, instability, and the emergence of numerous unresolved conflicts.

The Ba'ath Party, meaning 'resurrection', sought to unite Arab nations, achieve independence, and implement socialist reforms.

The Ba'ath Party supported Arab independence and unity, advocating for social reforms and better treatment for ordinary people.

Colonel Nasser, Egypt's leader, pursued socialist policies to improve living conditions, including land redistribution and industrialization.

The Aswan Dam in Egypt, completed in 1971 after delays, provided vital electricity and irrigation for millions of acres of land.

The PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization), with Yasser Arafat as a leader, aimed to establish a Palestinian state and oppose Israeli control.

Following the 1967 war, Israel gained control of the Golan Heights, a strategic plateau bordering Syria.

In June 1967, Iraq's president declared the intent to 'wipe Israel off the map,' reflecting the hostility towards Israel among Arab nations.

Driven by Nasser's desire to regain prominence and supported by the Soviet Union, the Arab nations planned to attack Israel in 1967.

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) significantly reduced oil production, creating shortages and driving up prices globally.

The US's support for Israel during the Yom Kippur War led to an Arab oil embargo, causing economic hardship in Western countries.

The Arab oil embargo aimed to pressure Western nations, particularly the US, to withdraw support for Israel and acknowledge Palestinian rights.

The Yom Kippur War, also known as the Ramadan War, began on October 6th, 1973, with surprise attacks by Egypt and Syria against Israel.

The Arab forces initially gained ground in the Yom Kippur War, but Israel, equipped with advanced American weaponry, eventually turned the tide.

Despite initial gains, Egypt and Syria failed to achieve their primary objective of regaining lost territories during the Yom Kippur War.

The Yom Kippur War resulted in significant price hikes for oil, contributing to global inflation and an energy crisis in industrialized nations.

The Yom Kippur War pushed the US to reassess its support for Israel, as the oil embargo created economic and political pressure.

The 1948 Arab-Israeli War resulted in Israel's victory, despite the initial expectation of an Arab triumph. Israel's victory led to the creation of the Jewish state and the displacement of Palestinian Arabs, resulting in a significant loss of their homeland and the creation of a refugee problem.

The Palestinian Arabs faced displacement and loss of their homeland during the 1948 war. Many became refugees, forced to flee to neighboring countries and living in refugee camps.

The 1948 Arab-Israeli War ended with an armistice agreement, but the Arab states did not accept its legitimacy. They viewed it as a temporary ceasefire and vowed to continue the fight for Palestine's liberation.

The 1948 war saw a division of Jerusalem, with Israel controlling the western part and Jordan controlling the eastern part.

Israel's victory during the 1948 war can be attributed to the Israelis' desperate fighting, military experience from World War II, and the Arab states' internal divisions and poor equipment.

The 1948 Arab-Israeli War led to a territorial redistribution, with Israel gaining control over the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and most of Palestine. However, the Palestinians remained displaced and without their own independent state

The 1948 Arab-Israeli War highlighted the lack of unity and cooperation among the Arab states. This disunity contributed to their defeat and further complicated the Palestinian refugee crisis.

The 1948 Arab-Israeli War had a significant impact on the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, leading to ongoing tensions and negotiations over land, Jerusalem, and Palestinian refugee rights.

A series of Palestinian protests against Israeli policies and practices in the occupied territories, marked by civil disobedience, strikes, and boycotts. It began in December 1987 and lasted for over three years.

A significant agreement between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), signed in 1993, aimed at establishing a framework for peace and coexistence. It marked the beginning of a new era in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, characterized by dialogue and negotiation.

The Oslo Accords aimed to create a pathway to negotiated peace, acknowledging each side's right to exist and establishing platforms for self-governance. However, it was hindered by deep-rooted mistrust and failed to deliver on its promises of a lasting resolution.

A major hurdle in reaching a lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians was the deep-seated lack of trust between both sides. Their histories of conflict and violence made it difficult to genuinely believe in each other's intentions and commitment to peace.

The Oslo Accords also failed to address key issues: the Israeli settlements in the West Bank, the status of Jerusalem, and the right of return for Palestinian refugees. These unresolved matters continued to be major sources of tension and disagreement.

While the Oslo Accords brought progress, it also faced opposition from both sides. Extremist groups on both sides (like the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and Israeli settlers) rejected the agreement, seeing it as a betrayal of their interests or a compromise too far.

The Oslo Accords introduced the concept of limited self-rule for Palestinians in Jericho and part of the Gaza Strip. This allowed for a degree of autonomy but not full independence, and was a contentious issue.

The Oslo Accords marked a significant turning point in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Despite its shortcomings, it laid the groundwork for negotiations and a shift towards dialogue. It also highlighted the complexity and difficulty of finding a lasting peace solution.