TLDR;
This video features Tar Massud from Harvard University answering internet questions about the Middle East. He addresses topics ranging from reactions to potential US military actions in Iran, a timeline of major events in the region, the Syrian conflict, Turkey's identity, the Houthi rebels, and the challenges of democracy in the Middle East. He also discusses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the abundance of oil in the region, the success of the UAE, the origins of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the appeal of Dubai, the feasibility of a two-state solution, reasons for frequent wars in the Middle East, differences between Sunni and Shia Muslims, the association of Islam with terrorism, the 2003 Iraq invasion, Iran's history, American military presence in Qatar, US-Israeli relations, Israeli military goals, Saudi Arabia's futuristic city project, the Taliban's treatment of women, and the similarities and differences between Kosher and Halal dietary laws.
- Reactions to potential US military actions in Iran are mixed among Arab countries, with some fearing Iran's nuclear ambitions.
- The Israeli-Palestinian conflict stems from competing claims to the same land and historical events.
- The UAE's success is attributed to its strategic location, business-friendly laws, and oil wealth.
Middle East Support [0:00]
Tar Massud from Harvard University introduces the segment where he will be answering questions from the internet about the Middle East.
What was the reaction to bombing Iranian nuclear sites? [0:15]
Many Arabs oppose the United States bombing a Muslim country in conjunction with Israel. However, many Arab countries are also afraid of Iran and its potential nuclear ambitions, and might not be opposed to the US thwarting Iran's nuclear ambitions.
The timeline [1:00]
A timeline of major events in the modern Middle East includes: 1453, the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople (Istanbul); 1492, the Spanish Reconquista expelling Arabs from Spain; 1744, the alliance between Muhammad al-Soud and Muhammad Abdul Wahab, leading to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Wahhabism; 1798, Napoleon's invasion of Egypt, marking the beginning of Western colonialism; 1897, the first Zionist Congress, advocating for a Jewish homeland in Palestine; 1908, the discovery of oil; and the end of World War I, which led to the creation of the modern Middle Eastern state system by the British and French.
Syria, currently. [3:41]
The current situation in Syria is complex. Ahmed Shar, the current president of Syria, led the militia that forced Assad out of power. His militia is an offshoot of Al Qaeda. While Ashar has expressed intentions to establish democracy and avoid conflict with neighbors, he has been brutal internally, with crackdowns against religious minorities like the Alawites and the Drews.
Turkey [5:00]
Turkey is geographically in both the Middle East and Europe, with a small portion in Europe. Turkey has historically been divided between those who see it as part of the Middle East and those who want it to become more European. Mustafa Kamal Adaturk, the founder of modern Turkey, initiated reforms to make Turkey more European after World War I, including banning the fez and encouraging the wearing of European-style hats. This struggle between different visions of Turkey continues today.
Houthis [6:56]
The US Navy has struggled to stop the Houthi rebels from attacking ships due to the mountainous terrain of Yemen, which provides ideal hiding places for the militia. A ground invasion would be necessary to guarantee stopping the Houthis, but the terrain is very difficult.
Democracy in the Middle East [7:43]
Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East, though some argue it is imperfect due to the occupation of Palestinian territories. The US hasn't always supported democracy in the Middle East, maintaining alliances with undemocratic Arab leaders. Some argue that Islam is not inherently friendly to democracy, noting that the Prophet Muhammad was a ruler not subject to votes. Additionally, many Middle Eastern economies are heavily dependent on oil, which reduces the need for taxation and, consequently, demands for representation.
Gaza and Genocide [9:16]
There is a massive humanitarian crisis in Gaza with extraordinary death and destruction. Whether the situation constitutes genocide is a technical question of international law currently before the International Court of Justice. The court has found merit to the claim, citing statements by Israeli leaders that have been interpreted as dehumanizing Palestinians. Israelis argue that these statements were directed at Hamas, not Palestinians in general, and that they do not intend to eradicate Palestinians.
Oil [11:57]
The Middle East has so much oil because millions of years ago, the Arabian Peninsula was a warm, shallow sea full of plant life. This plant life was sedimented, subjected to heat and pressure, and turned into hydrocarbons. The oil in the Middle East is also easy to access, making it cheap to extract, which is why the Middle East is the gas station of the world.
UAE [12:49]
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has the lowest crime rate and the most millionaires due to its location, law, and lubrication. Its location at the crossroads of global trade, business-friendly and enforced laws, and oil wealth have allowed it to become a global trade and logistics hub, attracting millionaires and foreign investors.
What's the origin of the conflict between Israel and Palestine? [14:11]
The conflict between Israel and Palestine stems from two indigenous peoples who cannot agree on how to share or divide the land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. Jewish people were expelled 2,000 years ago, and in the 19th century, a movement emerged to resettle the land of Palestine due to anti-Semitism in Europe. Jewish immigrants initially had good relations with Arabs, but tensions arose as some Jews sought self-sufficiency and boycotted Arab labor. Absentee Arab landowners selling land to Jewish immigrants further exacerbated the conflict.
Dubai Dudes [16:54]
Dubai attracts many people by being a fun and open society with world-class restaurants, hotels, dance clubs, and attractions. However, there is a less appealing side for guest workers who may live in inhumane conditions while building the city's skyscrapers.
Two state solution [18:16]
A two-state solution, involving a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza, faces challenges such as the non-contiguous nature of the Palestinian state and Israeli security concerns. The presence of 750,000 Jewish settlers in the West Bank further complicates the situation, raising questions about their expulsion or safety in a Palestinian state.
War [20:08]
The Middle East has many wars due to the artificial borders drawn by British and French colonial officials, which do not follow natural formations. This leads to conflict between states over border disputes and conflict within states as ethnic groups like the Kurds seek independent states.
Sunni Muslims and Shia Muslims [21:08]
The main difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims dates back to the early days of Islam when the community divided over who should lead after the Prophet Muhammad's death. The Shia supported Ali, Muhammad's cousin, and make up about 10% of Muslims today, concentrated in Iran and Iraq. While there is conflict between Sunnis and Shia, the idea that conflicts are solely based on these religious divisions is contested.
Terrorism [22:43]
Islam is often linked to terrorism due to Western commentators' prejudices, the history of Western intervention in Muslim lands, and interpretations of the Quran that call for jihad or holy war. Some scholars argue that jihad should be understood metaphorically, while others believe it involves fighting wars to spread Islam or rid it of non-Muslim domination.
2003 Iraq Invasion [24:40]
The US invaded Iraq in 2003 under George W. Bush to unseat Saddam Hussein, citing his alleged implication in 9/11 and the development of weapons of mass destruction. Critics argue the war was about oil. The war is considered a failure on almost every metric, as no weapons of mass destruction were found, oil was not obtained, and the collapse of Iraq led to the rise of terrorist groups.
Iran of the 1960s [26:11]
Iran was rich and relatively liberal in the 1960s, but this changed due to events starting in the 1950s. In 1953, the US cooperated with the British to overthrow Iranian leader Muhammad Musadik, who had nationalized the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company. The US then invested in an authoritarian regime led by the Shah, which led to the 1979 Iranian Revolution led by Ayatollah Khomeini, who established the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Why there are American bases in Qatar? [28:04]
American bases are in Qatar due to its strategic location near Iran and the Persian Gulf, which is important for ensuring the free flow of oil and the security of US allies from Iranian adventurism.
The U.S. and Israel in the 1960s [28:35]
While some Palestinians believe the US has always been pro-Israel, the alliance became much stronger in the 1960s due to the Cold War. Arab countries were often aligned with the Soviet Union, while Israel, with its cultural similarities to the West and its status as a liberal democracy, was a natural ally of the United States.
What is Israel's main goal with invading other countries? [30:12]
Israel has fought four wars against the Arabs: the War of Independence in 1948, the 1956 war over the Suez Canal, the 1967 war, and the 1973 war. In 1982, the Israelis invaded Lebanon. Israeli security analysts generally argue that these conflicts are to fend off attacks, including the war in Gaza, which they say is a response to Hamas launching rockets at Israel.
Futuristic Saudi Cities of the Desert [33:17]
The Saudis are building a futuristic city called Neome to attract global talent and signal that Saudi Arabia has changed. This project is part of Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman's efforts to modernize the country, which was previously very conservative.
The Taliban and women [34:32]
The Taliban, religious fanatics who run Afghanistan, want to stop women from doing anything because they believe women's place is in the home. This problem exists to varying degrees throughout the Muslim world, where women are often accorded a subordinate status according to commonly accepted understandings of Islamic law.
The difference between Kosher and Halal [35:41]
Kosher and Halal are dietary regulations followed by Jews and Muslims, respectively. There are many similarities, such as not eating pork. Halal prohibits alcohol consumption, while Kosher does not. Kosher has stricter rules, such as not mixing meat and milk, which is allowed in Halal. The overlap is because Islam, like Christianity, descends from Judaism, and the two religions developed together for hundreds of years.
