How the Cold War affected the Middle East?

The impact of the rivalry between Soviet Union and United States in the Cold War distorted internal politics and exacerbated or complicated regional conflicts. Indeed, the grafting of the USA/USSR competition over pre-existing Middle Eastern rivalries in several cases intensified them.

What resources does the Middle East have?

Like oil and water Today, abundant petroleum fields dominate the area’s economy. The Middle East is similarly disproportionately rich in natural gas (32 percent of the world’s known natural gas reserves are in the region) and phosphate (Morocco alone has more than half of the world’s reserves).

What is the main economic activity in the Middle East?

Agriculture. Although only about 15 percent of the land is suitable for farming, agriculture remains the region’s most important economic activity.

What is the economic development in the Middle East?

Plagued by war, violence, and low oil prices, economies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region will see growth of 2.6\% in 2017, down from 3.5\% in 2016. But after 2017, driven by ongoing reforms, the situation is expected to improve slightly and growth could exceed 3\% in 2018 and 2019.

Where does the United States get its oil?

Where The U.S. Gets Its Oil. America is one of the world’s largest oil producers, and close to 40 percent of U.S. oil needs are met at home. Most of the imports currently come from five countries: Canada, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Venezuela and Nigeria.

Does the US have more oil than the Middle East?

possible and undiscovered), the United States is at the top of the list with 264 billion barrels of recoverable oil reserves, followed by Russia with 256 billion, Saudi Arabia with 212 billion, Canada with 167 billion, Iran with 143 billion, and Brazil with 120 billion (Table 1).

How is the economy in the Middle East?

The economy of the Middle East is very diverse, with national economies ranging from hydrocarbon-exporting rentiers to centralized socialist economies and free-market economies. In recent years, many of the countries in the region have undertaken efforts to diversify their economies.

What is the most important resource in economic terms in the Middle East?

Oil is the most abundant resource in the Middle East, and many countries’ economies are dependent on it. However, oil is not equally distributed between all countries.

Why is the Middle East so important to the United States?

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.

Is Middle East stability in the Middle East possible?

Middle East stability is more likely if there is a foundation of stability in Libya, Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia. It is particularly important for the United States to up its diplomatic game in Libya.

Is the United States ready for peace in the Middle East?

The United States must also continue to pursue the peace process, so we are ready for the day when there are partners ready for peace. And, the United States must continue to sustain alliances, even as they are buffeted by contentious issues and mistrust. Still, treading water alone won’t secure U.S. interests in the Middle East.

What is national security in the Middle East?

Stability in the Middle East: The Other Side of Security. National security is normally seen in terms of military strength and internal security operations against extremists and insurgents.