Middle East in the Modern World
Study Guide # 14 B – Part IV – Ch. 14 & 15
Israel, the Arab states, and the Palestinians
1. The two main unresolved issues that have remained after the Arab-Israeli war of 1948 are
the question of the recognition of the state of Israel and the question of the Palestinian
refuges. Which Arab countries have, so far, recognized Israel? How many Palestinian
refugees are still not able to return home?
2. What have been the resources of Israel in the post WWII period?
3. Which demographic changes did the Arab-Israeli war of 1948 create in Israel? Describe
them in more details.
4. How did the Six Day War or the 1967 War between Israel and its neighbors start and how
did it finish? Who won and what areas were conquered and by whom? How were these
conquered areas later used in negotiations between Israel and its neighbors?
5. What did Egypt and Syria try to achieve during the Attrition War (1969-70) and the 1973
War? Did they succeed?
6. Discuss the question of Israeli settlements on the occupied Palestinian territories.
7. What influences the economy in the occupied Palestinian territories and how does the
Palestinian economy influence the Israeli one?
8. When did the Israeli government practically recognize the Palestinian nation as a nation?
In other words, when did Israel recognize the Palestinian authorities as a political subject
and started negotiating directly with them?
9. What do you know about the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO)? When was it
established? By whom? Who was its first leader? What is the most famous quote of that
first leader? Who was the leader of the PLO for the longest period of time?
10. Describe the role and policy of Yasser Arafat, as the leader of PLO?
11. Why did the Oslo Accord of 1993 fail? State the views of both, the Israeli government
and the Palestinian authority.
12. Who was Yitzhak Rabin? Describe his political work and achievements, especially in
reference to the 1990’s.
13. Gelvin states that "while individuals can change their mind, it seems that there is no
perpetual resolution to any political and social problem as long as intolerant and
chauvinistic ideologies are disseminated among peoples." What does Gelvin mean by the
phrase "chauvinistic ideologies?" How do you understand the term "chauvinism"?
14. Some people claim that Israel is the only true democracy in the Middle East; others that it
is not. Which arguments does the first groups use to support their claim and which
arguments does the other group use to support theirs? What do you personally think on
this subject based on the US State Departments Reports and on any other sources that you
are familiar with?
15. In your own opinion, what would be the best solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
that would bring a perpetual peace to the Holy Land? A one-state, two-state, or threestate solution or any other solution you can think of? Present your arguments.
16. Discuss the reasons for the slow pace of the recognition of the Palestinian state.
17. There are claims that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has turned over time into a religious
conflict involving Muslim, Jewish, and Christian bigots. Present the arguments that
support this point of view.
18. What is the role of the USA in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?