Middle Eastern History Quiz

Which of the following challenges does Saudi Arabia face?

• The country needs to create other industries besides petroleum production.

• Lack of natural resources.

• Overpopulation.

• Political instability.

Who controlled Mesopotamia starting in World War I until a kingdom was established in 1932?

• Great Britain

• France

• Germany

• Italy

Why did many nations join with the United States in defeating Saddam Hussein in the Persian Gulf War?

• They did not want Iraq to have control over nearly a quarter of the world’s oil supply.

• They wanted to spread democracy.

• They were allies of Kuwait.

• They wanted to stop nuclear proliferation.

Which of the following accurately describes the Safavid Empire?

• Shia Islam became the official state religion

• Sunni Islam was predominant

• It was a secular state

• It was a democracy

Why did the United Nations (UN) impose an economic embargo on Iran?

• The UN believed that Iran was trying to build nuclear weapons.

• Iran invaded a neighboring country.

• Iran violated human rights.

• Iran refused to trade oil.

Which description accurately describes the followers of Shia Islam?

• Shia Muslims believe that only imams can accurately interpret Muhammad’s teachings.

• Shia Muslims follow the teachings of the caliphs.

• Shia Muslims do not believe in religious leaders.

• Shia Muslims practice a form of Buddhism.

How are the countries of the Arabian Peninsula similar? Select the three correct answers.

• Most of the people follow Islam

• Most governments are monarchies

• Their economies are based on oil production

• They have a large agricultural sector

Why did the United States invade Iraq in 2003?

• President Bush believed that Saddam Hussein aided terrorists and had weapons of mass destruction.

• Iraq invaded Kuwait.

• Iraq was developing nuclear weapons.

• Iraq was threatening Saudi Arabia.

How did events of January 2005 change Iraq?

• Citizens participated in democratic elections for the first time.

• Iraq became a monarchy.

• Iraq joined the European Union.

• Iraq adopted a new constitution.

What was an effect of the 1978 Iranian Revolution?

• Iran became an Islamic Republic

• Iran became a democracy

• Iran joined NATO

• Iran adopted a new currency