Conflict in the middle east, c. 1945-95 Flashcards
(102 cards)
1
Q
What was the Holocaust?
A
The murder of six million jews in 1933-45
2
Q
What is Zionism?
A
A movement that wanted a Jewish homeland in Palestine
3
Q
What is a mandate?
A
A legal authority
4
Q
What was the Haganah?
A
A jewish defence force
5
Q
What was the Irgun?
A
A Jewish terrorist organisation to create a Jewish state by force
6
Q
What was the Lehi (stern gang)?
A
Extreme terrorist group to continue to use violence to create a Jewish state.
7
Q
What were the conflicting interests and demands between Jews and Arabs?
A
Palestine was the Promised land for Jews for over 3000 years, Holocaust increased zionism. Arabs wanted to rule what they saw as their own land and wanted to end mass Jewish immigration. Arabs were furious that they weren’t consulted about the creation of Israel and that they weren’t the rulers of Palestine after WWI
8
Q
What were the key events before 1945? (7)
A
1) Palestine was part of the Ottoman empire - most arabs, some jews
2) Ottomans sided with Germany. Palestine was occupied by Britain after they Ottomans defeated. Britain gained Arab support after agreeing Palestine was for Arabs.
3) League of Nation gave Britain the mandate to rule Palestine.
4) Most Jews happy for refuge in Palestine. Jewish agency encouraged immigration
5) Jews formed Haganah + Irgun to defend against Arabs
6) An Arab revolt was ended by British and Haganah; Peel Commission suggested a partition
7) Britain needed Arab support and access to oil so Jewish immigration was limited.
9
Q
What were the terms of the British mandate?
A
- Protect the rights of Arabs
- Establish a state for Jews
- Prepare to leave the country to its independence
10
Q
What was the significance of the King David Hotel bombing? (5)
A
- Was the headquarters for British mandate and army.
- It split the three Jewish groups - Haganah condemned the bombing.
- Worsened relation between British and Jews as they increased random searches, arrests and interrogations.
- Made running Palestine difficult and expensive
- British public opinion turned against the mandate and against the Jewish cause on Palestine.
11
Q
How did the US react to the Jewish insurgency?
A
- Increased support for the creation of a Jewish state due to its large Jewish population and pressure from US zionists.
- Welcomed Holocaust refugees
- Criticised the British for restricting immigration into Palestine
- Applied economic pressure to try to change British policies.
12
Q
What was the Jewish Insurgency?
A
A violent uprising against British rule by Jews
- Irgun and Lehi bombed offices, police stations, military bases, airfields and bridges.
- Haganah used large ships to smuggle masses of Jews - gained sympathy for Jews
- Communication lines were targeted to make the rule harder
13
Q
Describe the significance of the King David Hotel Bombing (5)
A
- Headquarters of British mandate and army
- Split the three Jewish groups; the Haganah condemned it
- Worsened relations between Jews and Brits as Brits did random searches, arrests and interrogations
- Made running Palestine more difficult + expensive for Brits
- Brit public turned against the British mandate and the against the Jewish cause for Palestine
14
Q
How did the US react to the Jewish Insurgency and the bombing? (4)
A
- Increased support for the creation of Jewish state
- Welcomed Holocaust refugees
- Criticised Brits for restricting immigration into Palestine
- Applied economic pressure on Brit to change its policies
15
Q
Why did Britain decide to withdraw from Palestine? (4)
A
- Britain relied on US and desperate not to fall out
- The morale on the Brit public were affected by the insurgency
- Britain realised that they couldn’t keep their promises with the Arabs and Jews
…..So they asked the UN to find a solution.
16
Q
What was the partition plan 1947? (5)
A
- Holy places (Bethlehem + Jerusalem) would become international zones
- 1% Jewish pop in Arab state and rest arabs
- 55% Jewish pop in Jewish state and 45% Arabs
- 49% Jewish in international zone and 51% Arabs
- Both states + int zones share same currency, transport and communications services
17
Q
Describe the significance of the UN resolution (7)
A
- Arabs thought UNSCOP was pro-zionist
- US + USSR in favour - put pressure on both countries to accept
- Brit against as they thought it was more in favour of arabs
- Jewish agency accepted as they had their own state
- Extremist jew against - wanted Jerusalem in jewish state
- Arabs furious as they thought that the UN had no right to take away land.
- Led to the official creation of Israel after end of British Mandate
18
Q
What led to the civil war in Dec 1947 - May 1948?
A
Resolution led to Arabs attacking Jews. Haganah (Jews) fought back leading to civil war. More than 150,000 Arabs fled.
19
Q
Describe the start of the Arab-Israeli war
A
Israel was recognised by US+USSR as a state. Brit mandate ended and British troops left. Armies from Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq invaded Israel. War begun. Israel unlikely to survive - 650,000 vs 40 mil people.
20
Q
Describe the events of the Arab-Israeli war (11)
A
15/5/1948 - Arab counties declare war on Israel
17/5/1948 - USA complains to UN
28/5/1948 - IDF is created
29/5/1948 - UN calls ceasfire
11/6/1948 - Ceasefire starts - Arabs in control of Galilee, West Bank, Gaza Strip and Negev desert
18/7/1948 - Second ceasefire starts
15/10/1948 - Israel breaks it and invades Galilee and Negev desert.
24/2/1949 - Armistice with Egypt
23/3/1949 - Armistice with Lebanon
3/4/1949 - Armistice with Jordan
20/7/1949 - Armistice with Syria
21
Q
What was the importance of the first UN ceasefire?
A
Czechoslovakia arms deal - Israel bought lots of weapons despite UN trading ban. Increased their firepower and training so they had a better chance
22
Q
What were the weaknesses of arabs? (5)
A
- Not united
- miscommunication; couldn’t work together
- Underestimated Israel
- poor leadership
- no direction or organisation
23
Q
What were the territorial changes of the Arab-Israeli war? (6)
A
- Israel had Galilee, fertile land and easy to defend against Lebanon
- Israel had part of West Bank back, direct access to Jerusalem
- Some of Jerusalem (Capital of Israel now)
- Nearly all of Negev desert
- Jordan had most of West Bank
- Gaza Strip remained to Egypt
24
Q
What was the impact of the Arab-Israeli war on Palestinians? (5)
A
- Only 160,000/900,000 remained in Israel after war
- Palestinians fled or were deported
- Few emigrated to the US
- Most lived in huge refugee camps in the Gaza Strip or West Bank
- Forbidden from returning to Israel - would be attacked by IDF if tried.
25
Describe the IDF
> Well-organised, well-led, professional soldiers
> Former members of Haganah, Irgun and stern gang
> Received a lot of government money
> At 18, all males had to serve for 30 months and females for 18 months
26
Describe the Law of Return and why it began
Jews arrived from Arab states where anti-semitism was growing. Israeli parliament supported immigration. Law of Return every Jew in the world the right to Israeli citizenship. New arrivals stayed in abandoned Palestinian areas.
27
How did the US aid Israel? (3)
- US gave 300 million dollars to Israel
- But refused to sell arms after 1950
- Many Jews donated money to help the new state
28
Describe Israel relations with others. (3)
- Many Palestinians made raids into Israel to collect their belongings
- IDF carried out reprisal raids, killing Palestinians and destroying homes
- Jordan tightened its borders
29
Describe economic problems for Israel. (4)
- Immigrants had few belongings
- Israel had little money due to war, couldn’t support immigrants
- Immigrants based in tents
- High Unemployment
30
Describe General Nasser and Egypt
Nasser became leader of Egypt after the fall of King Farouk. He wanted strong Arab nations and independence from other countries. His prestige increased when he stood up to western powers and Israel.
31
Describe the policies of Egypt under Nasser. (3)
- Independence from Britain. Nasser persuaded them to leave the Suez canal
- Internal reforms. Gave fertile land to the poor from the wealthy. Started schools and hospitals
- Aswan Dam project. Dam across River Nile to control flooding and provide water for land but it was very expensive.
32
What was the significance of the Israeli attacks? (4)
- Increased tension with Egypt; forced Nasser to act
- Proved the supremacy of the IDF and gave them confidence
- Led to Egypt buying more weapons and became soviet ally. This angered western powers and scared Israel.
- Made trade for Israel difficult as Nasser blocked the Gulf of Aqaba due to the attacks
33
What are the events of the Suez Canal Crisis?
1. Britain, France, Israel agree to work together against Egypt
2. IDF invade Gaza and Sinai
3. UN meet to discuss crisis
4. Egyptian troops sink ship to block canal
5. UN appeal for ceasefire - Brit + France agree due to threats from US + USSR.
6. UN troops arrive to protect Arab-Israeli border
7. IDF withdraw after US pressure.
34
Describe the nationalisation of the Suez Canal. (3)
- Owned by British and French shareholders. Important for trade as it linked the Mediterranean and the Red sea.
- Nasser nationalised the canal. He took over ownership as it was under state control
- Britain and France feared that this would affect trade and their position in the middle east.
35
What was the significance of the Suez Canal crisis?(8)
- remained under Egyptian control
- Brit + France humiliated and lost influence over Arab countries
- Nasser prestige increased
- Ensured Egypt’s alliance with USSR
- USSR paid for Aswan dam building
- USA’s role in humiliating Brit + France made it the most powerful in the Middle East
- UN troops increased Israel’ security
- Israel’s ability to trade increased.
36
Describe the formation of the UAR
In 1958, as a sign of Nasser’s status, Syria and Egypt became the United Arab Republic with Nasser as president. It lasted until 1961 where Syria left due to feeling like the lesser power.
37
What was the significance of the Cairo conference in 1964? (4)
1. Highlights the problem of Palestinian land and refugees - PLO and PLA (army) was created to unite Palestinians.
2. Confirmed Egypt as the leading Arab nation and Nasser the leader o Arabs
3. Showed that Arabs needed to work together and were all anti-israel
4. Nasser prevented Israel’s plan to divert River Jordan for farms and settlements - led to Headwater diversion plan; Syria and Lebanon would divert sources from the Sea of Galilee
38
Describe the Fatah (6)
- Founded by Yasser Arafat in 1959
- Wanted Palestinian state
- Used Guerrilla tactics
- Violence to destroy Israel
- Bases in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria
- Israel retaliated with great force gaining publicity for them
39
Describe the support for Fatah (3)
- Syria supported Fatah with weapons and money and set up training camps
- Syria accused Nasser for not helping. Led to Egyptian-Syrian pact to help the other when attacked
- Jordan was US ally and was trying to establish good relations woth Israel
40
Describe the Israeli raid on Samu
An explosion on the Israeli-Jordan border killed and injured a few civilians. Fatah was suspected. Israeli retaliated by raiding Samu. International condemnation for Israel reaction. Destroyed hope + good relations between Israel and Jordan. King Hussein pressured Nasser to act against Israel.
41
Describe the events of 7th April 1967
Syrian guns shot at a tractor (provoked) in DMZ near Golan Heights. Israeli Air force attacked guns and some villages. Syrian Air force then took to the skies but lost six planes. Damaged relation between Israel and Syria.
42
Events leading up to Six Day War (9)
13 May 1967 - USSR tells Nasser that Israel preparing to attack Syria
14 May - Nasser prepares army
15 May - Egyptian troops enter Sinai
16 May - Nasser tells UN peacekeepers to leave from Sinai
22 May - Nasser closes Straits of Tiran to block trade for Israel and access to oil
29 May - Nasser threatens with attack unless Palestinian refugees are allowed to return and occupied territories returned
30 May - Egypt + Jordan sign defence treaty to aid Egypt
in war
31 May - US would aid Israel to reopen Straits of Tiran
4 June - Israel decides to attack first
43
Why did Nasser act against Israel?
- Believed that Syria was going to be attacked by Israel (false by USSR
- To show that he was the ‘leader of Arabs’
- Israeli leader looked weak
- Expected UN troops to stay and prevent war
44
How did the USSR + US affect the Six Day war?
- Didn’t influence directly
| - Encouraged allies to go into war (USSR + Arabs vs US + Israel)
45
Describe the key events of the six day war
Day 1 - IAF destroys Egyptian air forces and fields. Advanced into Gaza and win control of the Gaza Strip from Egypt
Day 2 - IDF advance into Sinai towards Suez Canal. Jordan fight Israel for Jerusalem
Day 3 - IDF wins control of Sinai from Egypt. IDF captures Jerusalem. Jordan accepts ceasefire
Day 4 - IDF wins control of West Bank from Jordan. Egypt accepts ceasefire
Day 5 - IDF launch attack on Golan Heights
Day 6 - IDF wins Golan Heights. Syria accepts ceasefire
46
Describe UN Resolution 242
1. Israel had to return occupied territories in the Six Day War
2. Arab countries must recognise Israel’s right to exist
3. The ‘refugee problem’ must be resolved fairly
47
What were the responses to Resolution 242?
> Israel was willing to negotiate with Egypt, didn’t say they would withdraw
> Palestinians thought it was insulting being called a problem
> Arabs didn’t accept Israel’s right to exist. But Egypt and Jordan seemed to accept when the resolution passed but only if Israel left occupied territories.
48
Describe the dispute over the Suez Canal.(5)
1. Blocked
2. Egypt needed it to reopen for revenue but wouldn’t allow Israel to use it. Israel made it hard to reopen - affected all nations that used it.
3. Nasser asked the USSR for help to re-arm.
4. Egypt were frequently bombing and attacking Israeli targets and Israel always retaliated
5. Both sides agreed to UN ceasefire but Egypt economy was damaged from bombing
49
What is the significance of Golan Heights? (3) - Syria
- Fertile land and had important fresh water sources
- Home to 100,000 Syrians
- Syria couldn’t attack Israel in Galilee
50
What is the significance of Gaza strip? (2) - Egypt
- Home to 350,000 people (Mostly Palestinians)
| - Israel could prevent Fedayeen raids
51
What is the significance of West Bank? (4) - Jordan
- Fertile land next to River Jordan
- Home to over 600,000 Palestinians
- Jordan felt that West Bank was theirs
- Gave Israel a protection zone from Jordan
52
What is the significance of Sinai? (4) - Egypt
- Contained useful oil resources
- Israeli occupation meant that Egypt couldn’t use the Suez Canal
- Secured Israeli trade through the Gulf of Aqaba
- Gave Israel a protection zone from Egypt
53
What is the significance of East Jerusalem? (1) - Jordan
It contained the Old City with sacred sites for Jews, Arabs and Christians
54
Describe the PFLP plane hijacks - 1920
PFLP hijacked 4 international airplanes. Most passengers were released except for 56 Jews who were kept for hostage. The planes exploded as the PFLP expected an attack.
55
Describe the expulsion of the PLO from Jordan
After the severe Israeli retaliations from the PLO’s attacks relations became strained between King Hussein of Jordan and the PLO. Jordan always suffered whenever Israel retaliated due to the PLO. Jordanian troops attacked the PLO to gain control of Jordan. This ran from September 1970 to July 1971. Became known as Black September. He then expelled the PLO from Jordan.
56
Describe the emergence of the Black September group and its attack in the Munich Olympics
Black September was a new extremist Palestinian group after September 1970. At the Munich Olympics, 8 members shot two and took 9 Israelis athletes hostage within the Olympic village in return for the release of 234 Palestinian prisoners. Black September never claimed responsibility for this.
57
Describe the Israeli response to the plane hijacks and the Black September attacks
All Fatah raids were followed by strong retaliations by Israel. After the Munich Olympics attacks, Operation Wrath of God was launched to hunt down and kill those responsible. This deterred Palestinians from continuing their terrorist activities.
58
What were the international attitudes towards the terrorism against Israel?
Terrorist attacks succeeded in getting publicity but it was negative. The public condemned the attacks and sympathised for Israel.
59
When did Nasser die?
September 1970
60
Describe Egypt’s relations with Israel
Anwar Sadat tried to negotiate with the Israeli prime minister, Golda Meir for peace in return for Sinai, which would reduce the chance of war and allow the reopening of Suez. All his attempts were rejected.
61
Describe Egypt’s relations with USA
Sadat expelled Soviet military to improve relations with Israel and USA. This didn’t work because the Munich Olympics put all Arabs in a bad light. The events also damaged relations with the USSR.
62
Describe Egypt’s relations with USSR
Sadat strengthened relationship with Saudi to gain soldiers and weapons so they are less reliant on the USSR.
63
Describe Egypt’s relations with other Arab states
Sadat built on the relationship with Syria by choosing to help Syria recover Golan Heights from Israel.
64
Describe the Israeli consolidation of its control of the territories. (6)
> West Bank, Gaza and Golan Heights were given to the Jews to create Jewish settlements
> Arabs arrested for ‘terrorism’
> Military blocks + checkpoints made travel in West Bank and Gaza difficult
> Jerusalem - arabs were moved by force
> Sinai - Israel built a high wall along the Suez canal with forts, bunkers, minefields and barbed wire behind (Bar Lev Line) to prevent Egyptian invasion.
> Golan Heights - deep, steel bunkers were dug to prevent Syrian invasion. Syrians who left during the Six Day War weren’t allowed to return as they were viewed as a security risk.
65
Describe the key events of the Yom Kippur War (3)
1) At 2 pm on Saturday 6 October 1973 (Yom Kippur), Egypt launched a huge attack on the Suez Canal to invade Sinai at the same time as Syria launched an attack on the Golan Heights, taking Israel by surprise. Within hours, the Arabs had made significant progress.
2) On 8 October, Israel began its counterattack, first on Syria and then on Egypt. Fierce battles took place but eventually the superior Israeli army and tanks had forced the Arab forces back to their original lines and had invaded both Syria and Egypt.
3) On 22 October, the UN called for a ceasefire, which Israel eventually agreed to after pressure from the USA.
66
Describe the aftermath of the Yom Kippur War. (4)
> Israel won but suffered heavy loss and lost confidence. Reputation suffered as people thought they only won due to US support
> Arab’s confidence, morale and international status had improved - nearly beat Israel
> Sadat’s prestige increased in the Arab world
> The war nearly led to a nuclear conflict between the superpowers. USA was forced to pay attention to the middle east.
67
Describe the oil embargo (7)
1. OPEC denies selling oil to Western Countries such as USA
2. ... rise in oil price
3. ...rise in the cost of manufacturing
4. ...rise in price of goods
5. ...people buy fewer goods
6. ...Factories lay off workers/ close down
7. ...unemployment rises
68
What was the significance of the oil embargo? (3)
> It proved that the ‘oil weapon’ could be very effective especially when Arab states all worked together
> Focused world attention on the Middle East and trying to find lasting peace
> It changes USA’s attitude towards Arab states. Peace became more important than always supporting Israel to USA.
69
Describe the negotiating parties in Kissinger’s ‘shuttle diplomacy’ (3)
> Israel - dependent on US aid. Easy for Kissinger to apply pressure on Rabin
> Egypt - wanted peace. Realised that Kissinger had a good chance of getting the Suez Canal reopened.
> Syria - President Assad wouldn’t compromise peace for Golan Heights.
70
What was the ‘Shuttle Diplomacy’?
Kissinger (USA) travelled back and forth between Israel and Egypt to negotiate peace as they didn’t want to talk directly.
71
What was the successes of the ‘Shuttle Diplomacy’? (3)
> Both agreed to withdraw troops from the Suez Canal and allowed for a UN peacekeeping force between them
> Syria and Israel agreed to allow UN observers to monitor the new demilitarised zone in Golan Heights
> Arab countries started selling oil to the USA again in 1974 due to significant progress.
72
What were the failures of the ‘Shuttle Diplomacy’?
> Both Egypt and Syria refused to acknowledge Israel’s right to exist
> Rabin wouldn’t withdraw troops from Sinai or Golan Heights
73
Describe the reopening of the Suez Canal. (4)
> Withdrawal of troops and the new UN peacekeeping forces reduced the threat of war
> Enabled Egypt to reopen the canal
> Dangerous job as the canal contained unexploded bombs, ships and mines.
> Benefitted both the Egyptian economy and world trade.
74
Describe Sadat’s visit and Begin’s visit in 1977 (3)
Sadat went to Israel and spoke to the Knesset (parliament) offering peace in November. Begin then went to Egypt and declared to the National Assembly that he wanted peace. Peace talks began but stalled over the issue of Palestinians.
75
What did Sadat want from his visit to Israel in 1977? (3)
> Sinai
> Solution for Palestinians
> Lasting peace
76
What did Begin want from his visit to Egypt in 1977? (4)
> Peace with Egypt so they can focus on the threat from Lebanon
> Trade security through the Gulf of Aqaba
> To keep control of West Bank, Gaza and Jerusalem
> No compromises on the Palestinian issue.
77
Describe the role of President Carter
Carter approached Sadat with financial aid only if they made peace with Israel. Carter kept a close eye on peace talks. When the disagreeing began, he asked Sadat and Begin to go to Camp David in the US to continue talks. Begin couldn’t afford to annoy USA and Sadat wanted US aid so they both accepted.
78
Describe the significance of Sadat’s and Begin’s visit
> Showed bravery of the leaders
> First time they both wanted peace
> Showed Sadat’s willingness to make a move
> Sadat was prepared to acknowledge Israel’s right to exist
> First time Israeli leader went to Egypt and Egyptian leader to Israel
> Israel allowed Sadat to speak to the Knesset showed Israeli respect for Sadat since YK war
79
Describe the Camp David Accords - 1979. (8)
> Egypt and Israel resolved things diplomatically
> In 3 years, Israel will live Sinai
> Egypt will allow Israel access to Gulf of Aqaba and Suez Canal
> US give 10 bil (annual)
> US give Israel 3 bil to help withdraw
> Israel accept legitimate right of Palestinians.
> After 5 years, Israel, Egpyt, Jordan and Palestinians will make a final decision on how West Bank and Gaza would be ruled
80
Describe the Treaty of Washington. (4)
> Formal peace treaty between Israel and Egypt - result of Camp David Accords
> Egypt recognised Israel’s right to exist and live in peace
> Israel recognised Egypt’s right t0 live in peace and agreed to withdraw troops from Sinai
> Egypt agreed that Israel could access the Suez Canal and Gulf of Aqaba
81
Describe the significance of the Treaty of Washington. (7)
> Rejected by UN as they weren’t consulted and Palestinians weren’t included
> Israel peace with Egypt and could focus on Lebanon
> Proved the power of US over Israel and Egypt
> Some Egyptians angry with Sadat. Killed in 1981
> Palestinians were outraged that they weren’t mentioned.
> Arab states rejected accords and treaty as felt that Egypt betrayed them. Egypt thrown out of Arab League
> Begin and Sadat awarded Nobel Peace Prize in 1978
82
Describe Arafat’s speech to the UN 1974
Arab league recognised the representative of Palestinians as Arafat and the PLO. Arafat declared that he wanted peace and justice for Palestinians.
83
Describe the significance of the Un recognition of a Palestinian representative (Arafat + PLO)
> Had presence on world stage
> UN had a single leader to talk to
> Israelis were furious as they saw Arafat and the PLO as terrorists.
84
Describe the significance of the PLO in Lebanon. (7)
PLO moved to Lebanon after being expelled from Jordan. They set up schools, medical facilities, electricity and water for the Palestinian refugees. Lebanon was often under attack from Israel. It upset the balance of religious groups (Christian + Muslim) in Lebanon. A civil war broke out. Israel + Syria supported Lebanese Christians against the PLO. The PLO became a stronger force due to support from the USSR.
85
Describe the Israeli invasion of Lebanon - 1982 (7)
1. Palestinian extremist (vs PLO) attempted to kill the Israeli Ambassador so in return Israel launched Operation Peace for Galilee
2. IDF attacked PLO bases and tried to remove the PLO from Lebanon
3. IDF surrounded Beirut and began attack
4. USE tried to create ceasefire
5. US made PLO leave to Tunisia
6. IDF surrounded Palestinian refugee camps of Sabra + Shatila and let the Christian Phalange in to carry out a massacre
7. Israel withdrew and felt more secure
86
Describe the tension over the Israeli occupied territories. (4)
For Israel, keeping a tight rule over Gaza and West Bank was essential for security. Israelis feared attacks would increase if control was reduced especially if Palestinians were allowed to govern themselves. This mean the Palestinians in these places were searched, beaten and arrested.
87
Describe the Palestinian Intifada (6)
An IDF vehicle crashed killing Palestinians, many thought this was deliberate so rioting broke out in West Bank and Gaza. This increased when another Palestinian got killed. Protests turned into large-scale violent demonstrations. Israel responded with repression; more troops, arresting and destruction of homes. Unified National Leadership of the Uprising set up to organise more sophisticated Palestinians actions such as boycotts. This was difficult to deal with.
88
Describe the consequences of the Intifada (5)
> 2000 Palestinians died + 160 Israelis died
> Both economies suffered (WB + Gaza)
> Palestinians were united and empowered by the Intifada
> PLO surprised and had nothing to do with it - led to a change in tactics
> Israel couldn’t crush the Intifada with repression so had to find new way
89
Describe Arafat’s renunciation of terrorism (4)
- Gave up and condemned terrorism
- Believed in a two state solution
- Asked Israel to withdraw from occupied territories
- Accepted UN resolution 242
90
Describe the reason for change of Arafat’s policy (6)
> USA put pressure to acknowledge Israel’s rights
> Some Arab states asked Arafat to change his policy
> King Hussein gave up Jordan’s claim to West Bank in 1988. Removed one obstacle of it becoming part of Palestine
> Coverage of the Intifada gained sympathy for Palestinians so wanted to build on this
> Intifada made Arafat realise that peace was more important than anything
> Other Palestinians challenging PLO’s as sole authority. Wanted to make sure that the PLO won the right to negotiate for Palestinians
91
Describe the significance of the renunciation of terrorism by Arafat (6)
> Made little difference as Palestinians continued raids
> USA agreed to negotiate with PLO + put pressure on Israel to do so as well
> Arafat’s popularity and acceptance increased in the world
> Over 80 countries said that they would recognise the new state of Palestine
> Israel rejected Arafat’s proposals
> Some Palestinians angry with Arafat and rejected his offer. Destroying Israel and creating Palestine was their objective.
92
Describe the US involvement in the Gulf War 1991 (6)
1. Iraq invaded Kuwait to gain control of its oil
2. Arafat declared his support for Iraq’s leader, Saddam Hussein
3. UN met and USA proposed to lead a coalition of soldiers to liberate Kuwait
4. Iraq fired scud missiles to divide coalition. Israel won praise for not retaliating.
5. A coalition of military forces - led by USA but include Egypt, Syria, Saudi, Morocco, Kuwait, Oman and the United Arb Emirates launched Operation Desert of Storm.
6. Arab states now were less opposed to the US ‘intervening’ in the Middle East due to the successful coalition
93
Describe the end of the Cold War
Soviet control over Eastern Europe ended in 1989 and the USSR itself collapsed in December 1991: the Cold War was over. The USA became the world’s only superpower and this had an impact on the Middle East.
94
Describe the impact of the end of the Cold War. (3)
> PLO - loss of USSR support was disastrous as it was main source of finance and weapons.
> Israel - without threat from USSR, USA no longer needed Israeli support so put more pressure on Israel to negotiate with PLO
> Arabs - lost financial and military support. Became more open to talking to the US because they need that aid
95
How was the Oslo Accords created?
Arafat and Rabin agreed to begin secret talks. Both sides agreed to the Oslo Accords. They were signed in Washington in 1993.
96
What were the terms of the Oslo Accords? (6)
> PLO renounced terrorism, rejected Intifada and acknowledged Israel’s right to exist
> Israel recognised PLO as the official body representing Palestine
> A Palestinian National Authority would govern the West Bank and Gaza.
> Over 5 years, IDF would withdraw from West Bank and PNA would take over.
> Negotiations would continue over the precise borders, the Israeli settlers in West Bank and what would happen in Jerusalem
> At the end of the 5 years, a peace treaty would be signed
97
Describe the PNA and its set-up (6)
> PNA set up as temporary body until Palestinian gov. is created.
> Initially run by PLO
> Police force set up to enforce law + order - prevent raids into Israel
> Arafat elected and installed as President of PNA in 1996
> Israel began withdrawing troops and transferring power to PNA
> PNA responsible for education, health, warfare and taxation
98
Describe the Israel-Jordan treaty - 1994 (5)
King Hussein (Jordan) approached Israel due to economic problems. Also, the US said it would cancel Jordan’s debts if it made peace with Israel
> Jordan became second Arab country to accept Israel’s right to exist
> Both sides work together to resolve terrorism
> Both sides agreed to not invade each other
99
Describe the Oslo accord II (3)
> Israel and PLO signed in 1995
> Gaza would come under Palestinian control
> West Bank would be divided in 3:
- Area A (3%) controlled by PNA
- Area B (25%) controlled by PNA + Israel
- Area C (72%) controlled by Israel
100
Describe the reactions to Oslo II. (4)
> Some people on each side especially Israelis, were happy that negotiations were continuing, so peace is possible
> Many Palestinians who were optimistic after Oslo I were shocked and disappointed with the small amount of West Bank that would be under Palestinian control
> Israeli settlers and Jews on the far right were furious for giving away their ‘Promised Land’. Furious with Rabin - assassinated in 1995
> Extremist Palestinians wanted the destruction of Israel and continued its terrorist attacks.
101
What are the areas of agreement in Oslo Accords I + II? (3)
> Israel recognised PLO as the body representing Palestinians. It also appeared to accept a two-state solution, allowing a Palestinian state
> The PLO recognised Israel’s right to exist and accepted the two-state solution
> Egypt and Jordan recognised Israel and relations with other Arab states had improved.
102
What were the remaining issues of dispute?
> Jerusalem - who would rule it?
> Jewish settlers in the West Bank
> Palestinian refugees in other countries
> The precise borders of each state
> Most of Golan Heights remained under Israeli occupation so tensions with Syria remained
