1. How did colonialism contribute to the political authoritarianism and economic stagnation of post-colonial Arab countries?
2. Why has conservative and radical Islam grown in popularity in Arab countries? Why have most Arab governments remained secular and authoritarian?
The Earth and Its Peoples, pp. 850, 855-6, 859-60, 866-7, 882-91
1. Why did an Islamic revolution occur in Iran? Why was the new Iranian government hostile toward the U.S.?
2. Why have national boundaries drawn by colonial powers encouraged ethnic and religious violence in post-colonial countries?
3. Why has terrorism become an increasingly popular means of expressing political
dissatisfaction?
The Human Record, pp. 434-8
1. What kind of nation does the Muslim Brotherhood want? Why do they want it?
2. If we read the document as the Muslim Brotherhood's reaction against the ills of twentieth century Egypt, what problems appear to have existed in Egyptian government, society, and economy? To what extent does it appear that Europeans are held responsible for these problems?