Middle Eastern Politics Study Cards

Enhance Your Learning with Middle Eastern Politics Flash Cards for quick learning



Middle East

A region located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, encompassing countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Israel, Egypt, and Turkey.

Political Science

The study of government systems, political behavior, and the theory and practice of politics.

Colonialism

The policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.

Imperialism

A policy or ideology of extending a nation's power and influence through colonization, use of military force, or economic dominance.

Arab-Israeli Conflict

A political and territorial dispute between Arab countries and Israel, primarily over the land of Palestine.

OPEC

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, a group of oil-producing nations that coordinate policies to stabilize oil markets and ensure fair prices.

Political Islam

A term used to describe various Islamic movements that seek to establish Islamic law and governance in predominantly Muslim countries.

Democratization

The process of transitioning from an authoritarian regime to a democratic system of government.

Authoritarianism

A form of government characterized by strong central power and limited political freedoms.

League of Arab States

A regional organization of Arab countries aimed at promoting cooperation and coordination on political, economic, and cultural issues.

Iran Nuclear Deal

An agreement reached in 2015 between Iran and world powers to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

Terrorism

The use of violence, often targeting civilians, to create fear and advance political, religious, or ideological goals.

Counterterrorism

Efforts to prevent, deter, and respond to acts of terrorism, including intelligence gathering, law enforcement, and military operations.

Gender Equality

The state of equal access to rights, opportunities, and resources regardless of gender.

Political Activism

Engagement in activities aimed at influencing or changing political, economic, or social systems.

Islamic State (ISIS)

A jihadist extremist group that emerged in the early 2000s and sought to establish a caliphate in Iraq and Syria.

Arab Spring

A series of pro-democracy uprisings and protests that swept across the Arab world in the early 2010s, leading to political and social changes.

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

A long-standing dispute between Israelis and Palestinians over land, borders, and self-determination.

Syrian Civil War

An ongoing armed conflict in Syria that began in 2011, resulting in a humanitarian crisis and regional instability.

Hamas

A Palestinian political and military organization that governs the Gaza Strip and is considered a terrorist group by some countries.

Hezbollah

A Lebanese political and military organization that is considered a terrorist group by some countries and has significant influence in Lebanese politics.

Islamic Republic of Iran

A theocratic republic in the Middle East, governed by Islamic law and led by a Supreme Leader.

Saudi Arabia

A monarchy in the Middle East known for its vast oil reserves and conservative interpretation of Islam.

Turkey

A transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian Peninsula in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe.

Egypt

A country in North Africa known for its ancient civilization and historical significance in the region.

Iraq

A country in Western Asia known for its rich history, diverse ethnic and religious groups, and recent conflicts.

Yemen

A country in the Arabian Peninsula known for its ongoing civil war and humanitarian crisis.

Kurdistan

A region spanning parts of Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Turkey, inhabited primarily by Kurdish people.

Palestinian Authority

A self-governing body that governs parts of the West Bank and is recognized as the representative of the Palestinian people.

Gulf Cooperation Council

A regional organization of Arab states in the Persian Gulf aimed at promoting economic cooperation and security.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

A branch of Iran's military tasked with protecting the country's Islamic system and exporting the Islamic Revolution.

Arab League

A regional organization of Arab states aimed at promoting unity, cooperation, and coordination on political, economic, and cultural issues.

Israeli Settlements

Jewish communities established in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, considered illegal under international law.

Palestinian Liberation Organization

An umbrella organization representing various Palestinian political factions and aiming to establish a Palestinian state.

Islamic Jihad

A Palestinian militant group that opposes the existence of Israel and advocates for the establishment of an Islamic state in Palestine.

Iran-Saudi Arabia Rivalry

A geopolitical rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia, fueled by sectarian tensions and competition for regional influence.

Arab Spring in Egypt

A series of protests and political changes in Egypt in 2011, leading to the ousting of President Hosni Mubarak.

ISIS Caliphate

A self-proclaimed Islamic state established by ISIS in parts of Iraq and Syria, aiming to govern according to strict Islamic law.

Iran Nuclear Program

Iran's controversial nuclear program, which has raised concerns about the country's intentions and regional security.

Sykes-Picot Agreement

A secret agreement between Britain and France in 1916, dividing the Middle East into spheres of influence after World War I.

Palestinian Refugees

Palestinians who were displaced from their homes during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war and subsequent conflicts.

Arab-Israeli Peace Process

Efforts to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and achieve a two-state solution.

Iranian Revolution

A series of events in 1979 that led to the overthrow of the Shah of Iran and the establishment of an Islamic republic.

Muslim Brotherhood

An Islamist organization founded in Egypt in 1928, advocating for the application of Islamic principles in society and politics.

Syrian Refugee Crisis

The mass displacement of Syrians due to the ongoing civil war, resulting in a humanitarian and political crisis.

Houthi Rebels

An armed rebel group in Yemen that emerged in the late 2000s and seized control of parts of the country.

Israeli Security Barrier

A physical barrier built by Israel in the West Bank to prevent the entry of Palestinian militants into Israeli territory.

Arab Spring in Tunisia

A series of protests and political changes in Tunisia in 2010-2011, leading to the ousting of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

Iran-Iraq War

A conflict between Iran and Iraq from 1980 to 1988, resulting in significant casualties and no territorial changes.

Muslim-majority Countries

Countries where Muslims make up a majority of the population, such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, and Indonesia.

Israeli Settlement Expansion

The continued construction and expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, considered a major obstacle to peace.

Palestinian Statehood

The goal of establishing an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem.

Arab League Boycott of Israel

A boycott imposed by Arab League member states on trade and economic relations with Israel.

Iran-Contra Affair

A political scandal in the 1980s involving the United States secretly selling weapons to Iran and using the proceeds to fund anti-Sandinista rebels in Nicaragua.

Palestinian Authority President

The head of the Palestinian Authority, currently Mahmoud Abbas.

Arab Spring in Libya

A series of protests and political changes in Libya in 2011, leading to the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi.

Iranian Nuclear Deal

An agreement reached in 2015 between Iran and world powers to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

Syrian Government Forces

The military and security forces loyal to the Syrian government, led by President Bashar al-Assad.

Israeli Defense Forces

The military forces of the State of Israel, responsible for the country's defense and security.

Palestinian National Authority

A self-governing body established as part of the Oslo Accords, with limited autonomy in parts of the West Bank.

Arab League Summit

A periodic meeting of Arab League member states to discuss regional issues and coordinate policies.

Iranian Protests

Mass demonstrations and protests that have taken place in Iran, often in response to political and economic grievances.

Syrian Opposition Groups

Various armed and political groups opposing the Syrian government, including the Free Syrian Army and Syrian National Coalition.

Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process

Efforts to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and achieve a two-state solution.

Palestinian Authority Prime Minister

The head of the Palestinian Authority government, currently Mohammad Shtayyeh.

Arab Spring in Yemen

A series of protests and political changes in Yemen in 2011, leading to the ousting of President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Iranian Revolutionary Guard

A branch of Iran's military tasked with protecting the country's Islamic system and exporting the Islamic Revolution.

Syrian Kurdish Forces

Armed groups affiliated with the Kurdish-led administration in northeastern Syria, including the Syrian Democratic Forces.

Israeli-Palestinian Peace Negotiations

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through negotiations and compromise.

Palestinian Authority Security Forces

The security forces responsible for maintaining law and order in areas under the control of the Palestinian Authority.

Arab League Secretary-General

The head of the Arab League, currently Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

Iranian Nuclear Program Negotiations

Diplomatic negotiations aimed at addressing concerns about Iran's nuclear program and preventing the development of nuclear weapons.