Middle East
All 7 records found.
ISIS: The Global Face of Terrorism
The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, or ISIS, emerged in the Middle East during the first decade of the 2000s. The group vows to wage violent jihad, or holy war, on those who do not adhere to Read More →
Muammar al-Qaddafi's Libya, 2nd Edition
From the Series Dictatorships
Muammar al-Qaddafi led a group of young army officers who overthrew the government of King Idris I in 1961. After the officers seized control, Qadaffi emerged as head of the ruling council.… Read More →
Saddam Hussein's Iraq, 2nd Edition
From the Series Dictatorships
Saddam Hussein, one of the world’s most infamous dictators, rose to power through Iraq’s powerful Baath Party and became the nation’s president in 1979. His goals included achieving… Read More →
The Arab Conquests of the Middle East, 2nd Edition
From the Series Pivotal Moments in History
Can one man’s religious experience change the whole world? In the A.D. 600s, in the Arabian city of Mecca, a merchant named Muhammad began to receive and share messages from God. Muhammad… Read More →
The Assads' Syria, 2nd Edition
From the Series Dictatorships
Hafez al-Assad became president of Syria in 1971, following a long line of military leaders. At first, his goals included achieving pan-Arabism, more evenly distributing the nation’s oil… Read More →
The Fall of Constantinople
From the Series Pivotal Moments in History
How did the loss of one city change the history of Europe? In the Middle Ages, Constantinople’s perfect geographic location—positioned along a land trade route between Europe and Asia as well Read More →
The Iranian Revolution
From the Series Pivotal Moments in History
In the Middle Eastern nation of Iran, discontent simmered for decades. The Iranian people despised their leader, Reza Shah, who catered to foreign businesses while ruling Iran as a dictator.… Read More →