Analysis of the international relations of the Middle East (ME) on the basis of:

• The historical background histórico of the ME after the dismemberment of the Ottoman Empire
• The specific character of the state system in the ME
• The international dimensions of regional issues
• The external policies of Arab states. Special emphasis will be given to:
  • the Arab-Israeli conflict
  • inter-Arab relations
  • polítics in the Gulf, including the Iranian Revolution
  • the Iran-Iraq war
  • the two Gulf wars
• The war in Afghanistan and the process of creation of al-Qaeda
• The war against Iraq and its effects in the region and beyond.

1. Explaining the nature of the political dynamics of the ME after the two world wars
2. Describing the thrust of external influences in the post-WWII period
3. Elucidating how conflicts in the region have had external dimensions and regional impact
4. Understanding the dynamics that have brought onto the scene al-Qaeda and global Islamic terrorism.

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