IN THE NEWSHISTORY AND POLITICSAfter World War II, the state
of Israel was created as a
home for Jewish people. The
Palestinians also have claims
to the land. Since then there
have been wars between Israel and its
Arab neighbors and in more recent years,
many suicide bombings and other
attacks between Israel and Palestinians.The 2003 Gulf War
In 2003, the world was concerned that
Iraq might be making dangerous
biological and chemical weapons. A
US-led multinational force rapidly
defeated the Iraqi army and the
authoritarian president was replaced
by a new elected government.Fighting between rebel groups
and government forces in some
countries in central and east
Africa have forced many
thousands of refugees to flee their
homes. The area is also prone to
environmental disasters, such as
droughts or floods, causing
food and water shortages.The region around the Persian Gulf—a
large bay that extends from the Indian
Ocean—is the world’s largest source of
crude oil. Any conflict in the region is an
immediate threat to oil supplies around the world.
Other countries are quick to intervene to
safeguard the stability of the region
and their own oil supplies.
TAKE A PICTURE
The United Nations (UN) organization aims to
develop friendly relations between the countries
of the world, bringing them together to solve
international economic, social, cultural, and
humanitarian problems.The West Bank and the
Gaza Strip are the two
unconnected regions of
the Palestinian territories.
A network of fences,
trenches, and high
concrete walls have been
constructed as a barrier
around the West Bank
and the Gaza Strip.Coalition
troops continued
to be stationed in
Iraq to support the
democratic process
and the rebuilding
of the country.u BREACHING THE WALLS
The Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have
made a number of attempts to cross into
Egypt, seeking food and supplies.Refugees living in
vast camps rely on
food aid supplied
by charitable
organizations.THE GULF REGION
ISRAEL AND PALESTINE
CENTRAL AND EAST AFRICA
(c) 2012 Dorling Kindersley. All Rights Reserved.(c) 2012 Dorling Kindersley. All Rights Reserved.