3 Essential questions

What makes the Middle East an important region historically and currently?

        The history of the Middle East has impacted the current events of today in many different ways.  For one, the wars that struck out in the past, has created conflict between the U.S.A and the Middle East.  About a month ago, there was a terrorist attack that occurred in Libya.  It involved four Americans, including the U.S. ambassador.   The terrorists struck out against them by setting the compounds on fire. Since we depend on the Middle East for our main oil source, if we have a conflict with them our oil could be restricted.  If there are more embassy attacks around the world, particularly in the Middle East, prices can go up on oil and energy.  Historically, the Middle East is quite important.  Since the 1930s the Middle East has emerged as the world’s most important source of energy and the key to the stability of global economy. When Israel was being targeted by the countries 'neighbors' U.S. made many enemies with other countries, by protecting Israel.  These are just a few of the many examples why the Middle East is an important region historically and currently.

http://www.iags.org/luft_dependence_on_middle_east_energy.pdf
and my notes:)

How has The Middle East's physical geography shaped its cultures and history?

       Throughout history, relative location of the Middle East has been a main factor to shaping the region's culture and history.  The Middle East has connected many trade routes on it’s land and seas for hundred of years. It is centrally located between Europe, Asia, and Africa and trade between nations in these regions would take place over trade routes that passed through the Middle East such as the silk route.  Since countries in different parts of the world need to trade with each other for goods they cannot produce themselves, they relied on the Middle East for their routes. This important central location in the world’s geography has shaped the region’s culture and history, as many countries would fight over access to land and trade routes.  Because of the many sea routes in the Middle East (such as Mediterranean, Red Sea, and Arabian Sea) the area is important to the world for trade. Other countries’ military and economy depends on these routes.  Also mountains in the area have a natural barrier, which divides people.  Since the mountains are  so difficult to cross, in the past they have divided empires and kept out armies. Mountains have in some cases have provided refuge for groups such as the Christians in the Lebanon mountains.  


How can I effectively research reliable facts about geography, history, and current events?

       Luckily, In Carolina Day School's databases there are articles that are reliable about current events that are right at your fingertips.  Instead of having to go to a library and search for a reliable book, you can find facts about  geography, and history online easily.  If you did not have a database within your reach, I would suggest looking at the citations on the website you are looking at and make sure they sophisticated and are accurately correct.