HISTORY
HISTORY OF THE MIDDLE EAST
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Question
[CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
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Coming out of World War II, American strategists resolved that the United States must prevent any hostile force from dominating a region of critical geopolitical or geo-economic significance. The Middle East, with its vast oil reserves, fit that description.
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Since the 1970s, America has had a critical interest in preventing or combating international terrorism, much of which emerges from the Middle East. This was made a priority after the 9/11 attacks by al Qaeda.
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During the late 1970s and 1980s, the United States built up the military capabilities necessary to prevent the Soviet Union (or perhaps a hostile Iran) from dominating the region. During the Iran-Iraq War, the Reagan administration supported Saddam Hussein as a bulwark against Communist influence.Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990 prompted a massive, U.S.-led intervention to restore the regional balance of power, as well as a persistent post-conflict military presence to keep an eye on Saddam’s wounded but still dangerous regime.
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After the United States left Iraq in 2011, the state nearly collapsed, ISIS surged to prominence, and an emergency military intervention-which has now lasted nearly five years-was needed to repair the damage.
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All the options presented are correct.
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Detailed explanation-1: -The President believes that no region is more fundamental to the security of America or the peace of the world than the Middle East: a free, peaceful Middle East will represent a source of promise, a home of opportunity, and a vital contributor to the prosperity of the world.
Detailed explanation-2: -A year before, Eisenhower had enunciated what became known as the Eisenhower Doctrine, the first statement by a president stating that America has vital interests in the Middle East and would defend them by force if necessary.
Detailed explanation-3: -The Middle East has become uniquely important in international affairs-as a high-priority strategic focus for the United States and other great powers, as an arena in which some of the world’s most pressing security challenges play out, and as a critical node of economic and financial globalization.
Detailed explanation-4: -In 1902 the term “Middle East” was coined in order to designate the area residing between Egypt and Singapore, comprising major access points to Asia, such as the Suez Canal, the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, etc. (Center, F.G.E.c).