Mideast Politics: Which Nations Should the U.S. Choose as Allies?

n this lesson, developed by Shawneen Morrison, students analyze a chart that lists critical information concerning 8 anonymous Middle Eastern nations to decide which would make the most valuable allies for the United States. Then they work to convince their classmates to vote in favor of their choices. Afterward, students are presented with additional information, like comparative data with other Western nations, demand for oil, the presence of terrorist groups, and geographic location to see if it will affect their strategic choices. The lesson culminates in a discussion of the political quagmire in the U.S. over military intervention or “nation building” approaches to stabilizing the Mideast. That debate leads to such heavy emphasis on alliances in the region that the U.S. is no longer in a diplomatic position to significantly pressure allies on issues like human rights, women’s rights, or democratic governance. Note: While projection of the interactive website data is not essential to the lesson, viewing the sites does have a strong impact on student perception of the issue from the U.S., global security, and humanitarian perspectives.

INCLUDED IN THIS LESSON:

• Complete Lesson Instructions

• Discussion Guide Notes

• Link to Website Showing Real Time Costs of U.S. Mideast Military Intervention

• Link to Site Graphically Illustrating the Location and Frequency of ISIS Attacks

• 3 Student Handouts

• Blank Regional Map

• Answer Key

• Common Core Alignment

• 7 Suggestions for Extension Activities Ideal for Homework Following the Lesson

Created by Shawneen Morrison - Visit My Store