16 Questions
What is the term 'Peace Dividend' referring to?
The anticipated economic benefits from reducing defense spending due to decreased military threats or peace agreements.
What was the goal of the Oslo Accords in the 1990s?
To establish a framework for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
What happened to the Soviet Union after the Cold War?
It collapsed, removing a key source of support for Middle Eastern states and movements
What happened to the United States' influence in the Middle East after the Cold War?
It emerged as the dominant external power in the region
What was hoped for in the Middle East after the Cold War?
A 'Peace Dividend' where resources could be redirected towards civilian needs
What has hindered the aspirations for development and improving living standards in the Middle East?
The persistence of regional conflicts, sectarian tensions, and geopolitical rivalries
What was the immediate result of the Soviet Union's collapse on the Middle East?
Shifts in regional alliances
What has been elusive in the Middle East after the Cold War?
Progress towards lasting peace
What event marked a significant attempt at peace between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization?
Oslo Accords
What was the 'Peace Dividend' a result of?
Reduced military expenditures and increased international cooperation
Which country was invaded in 2001 as part of the War on Terror?
Afghanistan
What was the pretext for the Iraq War in 2003?
Eliminating weapons of mass destruction
Which extremist group declared a caliphate in 2014?
ISIS
Which country's civil war has resulted in a humanitarian crisis and involved multiple regional and global powers?
Syria
Which country led an intervention in Yemen's Civil War?
Saudi Arabia
Which country remains divided with competing factions?
Libya
Study Notes
Middle East after the Cold War
- The concept of "Peace Dividend" refers to the anticipated economic benefits from reducing defense spending, allowing resources to be redirected towards social welfare, infrastructure development, education, and healthcare.
- After the Cold War, there was optimism about achieving peace in the Middle East, particularly with the Oslo Accords in the 1990s, aiming for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Immediate Post-Cold War Era (1990s)
- The collapse of the Soviet Union led to shifts in regional alliances, with the United States emerging as the dominant external power in the region.
- The Oslo Accords (1993) and the Jordan-Israel Peace Treaty (1994) marked significant attempts at peace, facilitated by the new global order.
- The "Peace Dividend" implied potential economic benefits due to reduced military expenditures and increased international cooperation, with some Middle Eastern countries diversifying their economies.
The 9/11 Attacks and Their Impact on the Middle East
- The 9/11 attacks prompted the United States to launch the War on Terror, significantly affecting the Middle East.
- The invasion of Afghanistan (2001) aimed to dismantle Al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power.
- The Iraq War (2003) was launched under the pretext of eliminating weapons of mass destruction, leading to prolonged instability in Iraq.
Geopolitical Shifts and Military Interventions
- The War on Terror led to increased U.S. military presence in the region, with military bases established or expanded in countries like Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
- Counterterrorism became a central theme in U.S. and allied policies, leading to increased military cooperation with Middle Eastern states.
- The power vacuum in Iraq and Syria contributed to the emergence of extremist groups, notably ISIS, which declared a caliphate in 2014.
Contemporary Threats and Challenges
- Ongoing conflicts and instability persist in the region, including Syria's Civil War and Yemen's Civil War, causing humanitarian crises.
- Libya remains divided with competing factions, exacerbating regional instability.
- Sectarian conflicts and the rise of extremist groups continue to threaten regional security.
This quiz covers the transformations in the Middle East after the Cold War, including the concept of 'Peace Dividend', the impact of 9/11, and contemporary threats and challenges. Test your knowledge of this significant period in Middle Eastern history.
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