NASWA Flashcards

(77 cards)

1
Q

What are the major geographic qualities of North Africa/Southwest Asia?

A

Ancient culture hearths, One God–three major religions, Water issues, Oil and gas, Slaughter of innocents

These qualities highlight the historical and contemporary significance of the region.

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2
Q

What type of zones make up the boundaries in North Africa/Southwest Asia?

A

Volatile transition zones

These zones often experience conflict and instability.

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3
Q

Which countries are included in the conflict-ridden Middle East?

A

Israel, Syria, Iraq,

This region has been a focal point for various conflicts in recent history.

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4
Q

What religion dominates the cultural geography of North Africa/Southwest Asia?

A

Islam

Islam plays a crucial role in political developments and conflicts in the region.

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5
Q

What are some misnomers associated with North Africa/Southwest Asia?

A

Middle East, Dry World, Arabsoil World, World of Islam, Oil World

These terms can be misleading and do not fully encompass the region’s diversity.

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6
Q

Where is the Fertile Crescent located?

A

Between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in the Middle East

The Fertile Crescent is known for its rich agricultural land and historical significance.

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7
Q

What type of climate prevails throughout the realm?

A

A dry/arid climate prevails throughout the realm

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8
Q

What environmental factors create population clusters in dry regions?

A

Drought and unreliable precipitation create population clusters where water is available

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9
Q

What are potential consequences of water availability in dry regions?

A

Potential conflicts can arise due to water availability

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10
Q

What are the exceptions to the dry/arid climate in the region?

A

Mountains such as:
* Anatolian Highlands of Turkey
* Northwest Iran
* Ethiopian Highlands
* Atlas Mountains

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11
Q

What is the trend in population growth in North African states?

A

North African states have rates of population growth which increases the stress on water sources

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12
Q

True or False: Climate change is suggested to have doomed earlier civilizations.

A

True

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13
Q

Where do millions of people get water?

A

Majority live near water resources

This indicates the importance of proximity to water sources for population sustenance.

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14
Q

Where does the Jordan River end?

A

Dead Sea

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15
Q

Where do the White Nile and the Blue Nile meet?

A

Khartoum, the capital city of Sudan

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16
Q

What is the land called between the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers?

A

Fertile Crescent

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17
Q

What is the largest Nile River water control project?

A

Aswan High Dam in Egypt

The Aswan High Dam creates Lake Nasser.

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18
Q

What is the Arab World?

A

An ethnic term referring to countries where Arabic is the dominant language.

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19
Q

How many countries in North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula have Arabic as the dominant language?

A

16 countries.

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20
Q

In which regions is Arabic predominantly spoken?

A

Saudi Arabia and North Africa.

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21
Q

What language is predominantly spoken in Turkey?

A

Turkish.

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22
Q

What is the predominant language in Iran?

A

Farsi.

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23
Q

Which language is dominant in Israel?

A

Hebrew.

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24
Q

Why are the Kurds considered to be a Stateless Nation?

A

They don’t have a majority in any country

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25
What does the word 'Islam' mean?
Submission ## Footnote Islam emphasizes submission to the will of Allah.
26
When did Muhammad receive revelations from Allah?
611 AD ## Footnote This marks the beginning of Muhammad's prophetic mission.
27
What significant event occurred in 622 AD in the life of Muhammad?
Muhammad flees to Medina ## Footnote This event is known as the Hijra, marking the start of the Islamic calendar.
28
What are the Five Pillars of Islam?
* Repeated profession of creed * Frequent prayer * Ramadan daytime fasting * Alms giving * Pilgrimage to Mecca ## Footnote These pillars are fundamental acts of worship and the foundation of a Muslim's faith and practice.
29
What is the difference between 'Moslem' and 'Muslim'?
Moslem is an older spelling of Muslim ## Footnote 'Muslim' is the preferred and more accurate term in contemporary usage.
30
What is the difference between 'Muslim' and 'Islam'?
Muslim refers to a follower of Islam ## Footnote Islam is the religion itself, while a Muslim is one who practices it.
31
What is the difference between 'Arab' and 'Muslim'?
Arab refers to a cultural and ethnic identity, while Muslim refers to a follower of Islam ## Footnote Not all Arabs are Muslims, and not all Muslims are Arabs.
32
What is expansion diffusion?
A strong and durable source area spreads outward ## Footnote This type of diffusion often involves the spread of cultural practices or innovations.
33
What is relocation diffusion?
Migrants carry innovation or ideas from the source to distant locations ## Footnote This form of diffusion typically occurs through migration and settlement.
34
How many followers of Islam are there today?
Two billion followers of Islam today
35
What percentage of Muslims are Sunni?
85% are Sunni
36
What is the main division among Muslims regarding leadership?
Shi’ites (or Shia) Muslims split over Muhammed’s successor
37
Which country is the most populous Muslim country in the world?
Indonesia
38
What is the significance of Jerusalem to Jews?
Religious and historical significance
39
What is the significance of Jerusalem to Christians?
Religious and historical significance
40
What is the significance of Jerusalem to Muslims?
Religious and historical significance
41
What is the African Transition Zone also known as?
The Sahel
42
What regions does the African Transition Zone overlap?
Overlaps the Sahel
43
What is a current issue in the African Transition Zone?
An area of regional conflicts today
44
What percentage of the world's proven oil reserves does NASWA have?
2/3
45
What are the two major choke points in the oil world?
Suez Canal, Strait of Hormuz
46
What countries produce the most oil?
US, Saudi Arabia, Russia
47
What countries possess the largest oil reserves?
Venezula, Saudi Arabia, Canada
48
What are the two major oil/gas producing zones?
Middle East, North America
49
What are some objections to U.S./Europe developing oil?
Creates great wealth but also regional disparities
50
What impact does oil and natural gas have on people?
Higher incomes, modernization, industrialization, regional disparities, foreign investment
51
True or False: The Arab Spring seriously challenged regional governments.
False
52
What group tries to establish an Islamic caliphate?
ISIS
53
What geographical regions did the Turkish Ottoman Empire stretch across?
From Mongolia to the Black Sea
54
What language did the Turkish Ottoman Empire spread widely?
Turkic language
55
In which region did the Turkic language spread significantly?
Central Asia (Turkestan)
56
When did the Turkish Ottoman Empire decline?
Early 1900s
57
What is the status of Turkey in relation to the U.S. today?
An important U.S. ally
58
Who is Mustafa Kemal and what is he known for?
Modernizes Turkey and moves capital to Ankara
59
What significant change occurred regarding Islam in the 20th Century in Turkey?
Islam loses official status
60
What script replaced the Arabic alphabet in Turkey?
Roman alphabet
61
What rights were gained by women in Turkey during the modernization period?
Same rights as men
62
When did the Persian Empire begin?
2500 years ago
63
What significant event ended the rule of the shahs in Iran?
1979 Shi'ite Revolution
64
What is the Iranian Plateau characterized by?
Highland basin with salt flats
65
What supports pastures and nomadism in the Iranian Plateau?
Important moisture from mountains
66
Which country attacked Iran from 1980 to 1990?
Iraq
67
What was the outcome of the Iran-Iraq War?
Iran left poorer and weaker
68
What is a contradiction in Iran's modernization?
Modernization in cities but mullahs still rule in rural areas
69
What is the population of Tehran?
8 million
70
True or False: The Iranian Plateau is primarily a lowland area.
False
71
Fill in the blank: The Iranian Plateau has important moisture from _______.
[mountains]
72
What geographical features are associated with Turkestan?
Mountains, deserts, oil, cotton, herding.
73
What happened to the Aral Sea?
It has significantly shrunk due to water diversion for irrigation.
74
What is the outlook for the Aral Sea?
Continued ecological challenges and potential for restoration efforts.
75
Why did Kazakhstan move its capital city to Astana?
To promote economic development and strategic positioning.
76
What is the Russian Transition Zone?
An area of influence where Russian culture and politics impact neighboring regions.
77
What was Afghanistan created as?
A buffer state.