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The Middle East Region Geopolitical Comments from the 19 th Century through the Present

The Middle East Region Geopolitical Comments from the 19 th Century through the Present. Presented by : Bob McKenzie. October 24, 2014. Introduction. Brief background of current and previous assignments and education. Agenda. Why is Middle East relevant to the United States

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The Middle East Region Geopolitical Comments from the 19 th Century through the Present

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  1. The Middle East Region Geopolitical Comments from the 19th Century through the Present Presented by: Bob McKenzie October 24, 2014

  2. Introduction • Brief background of current and previous assignments and education

  3. Agenda • Why is Middle East relevant to the United States • Factors that influenced the shaping of today’s Middle East • Recent Major U.S. military involvement in the Middle East and Southwest Asia • Discussion questions

  4. Importance of Middle East • United States has declared the Middle East to be a national interest • Access to resources • Support of Israel • Promote International Stability • Access to US export markets

  5. Shaping Factors • Factors that influenced the shaping of today’s Middle East • Colonial Antecedents • Geography • Climate • Commerce • Governing Structure • Resources • Demographics • Culture and religion

  6. Map of today’s Middle East

  7. Middle East Resources

  8. Middle East Religions by Region

  9. Middle East Population Growth

  10. Unemployment Rates

  11. US at War in Middle EastDesert Shield / Desert Storm (1990-1991)

  12. Operation Southern Watch (1991 – 2003)

  13. Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2009)

  14. US at War in Middle East 2014 Operation Inherent Resolve

  15. Islamic State of Iraq and Syria Started in 1990s Expanded by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in 2004-6 (AQI) Leveraged Sunni discontent with Baghdad Government since 2007 Became dominant military and governing force opposing Assad in Syria Today they have positioned military forces with 20 kilometers of Baghdad International Airport

  16. What is ISIS about ….. • Adhere to strict Muslim rules (Sharia Law) • Establish a Caliphate from the Mediteranean to the Northern Arabian Gulf • Anti-Shia Muslim • Anti-infidel • Attempting to provide good governance over captured areas • Criminal Enterprise • Death Cult • An international magnet for disillusioned Islamists • Logistically disciplined • Strategically Savvy • Learning organization

  17. Area of ISIS Control

  18. Available US Military Power in Middle East

  19. Questions for Discussion • Is the US at war with ISIS? • What US national interests are impacted? Vital interests? Important interests? Peripheral? • What end state does the US desire? • What resources are the US willing to allocate to reach our desired end state? • Can the ISIS governance model flourish?

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