Middle East Relations Data

player
DESCRIPTION
type
majority population
majority
muslim
sect
n.b. 'Syria' refers to

Assad's regime unless
stated otherwise; 'Egypt'
refers to Egyptian
military government
following 2013 coup
Afghanistan
Al-Qaeda
Bahrain
China
Egypt
EU
Fatah
France
Gaza strip
Germany
Hamas
Hezbollah
India
Iran
Iraq
Iraqi Kurdistan
Islamic Army in Iraq
Islamic State (ISIS)
Israel
Jordan
Kuwait
regional
power index
(1-10)
our calcs
territory
(km2)
population / GDP ($bn) GDP per

members
person
% world oil
reserves
notes
links
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2147rank.html
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2001rank.html?countryname=Germany&countrycode=gm&regionCode=eur&rank=6#gm
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2244rank.html?countryname=Israel&countrycode=is&regionCode=mde&rank=92#is
http://www.pewforum.org/2009/10/07/mapping-the-global-muslim-population/
AFGHANISTAN: Turbulent decade has

nation
seen the country invaded, occupied by
and finally militarily allied with the US.
Currently experiencing an equally
turbulent transition to democracy.
AL-QAEDA: Global militant Sunni Islamic organisation
terrorist group, responsible for the 9/11 in
2001 attacks & various other civilian &
military attacks since. Enforce a very strict
Wahabist/Salafi form of Islam and
consider liberal Muslims, Shias and other
Muslim sects as enemies. Active in Syrian
civil war.
BAHRAIN: Small island nation & absolute nation
monarchy, one of the only Middle Eastern
Arab states not reliant on oil revenue.
Focuses on "banking & tourism" instead.
nation
Muslim
Sunni
652,230
31,108,077 $34.29
$1,100
0.01%
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/af.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afghanistan
Muslim
Sunni
unknown
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Qaeda
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Qaeda_insurgency_in_Yemen
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Qaeda_in_Iraq
Muslim
Shia
760
1,281,332
$33.63
$29,200
0.00%
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ba.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Bahrain
Non-Muslim
9,596,961 1,349,585,838$12,610.00 $9,300
0.97%
EGYPT: Largest Arab country, key player nation

in the region, and one of the only to have a
peace treaty with Israel.
international
organisation
FATAH: Founded and led by Yasser
political
Arafat, Islamic group Fatah currently
organisation
governs the West Bank area of the State
of Palestine. Formed a unity government
with Hamas under Mahmoud Abbas.
FRANCE: Good business ties (mostly
nation
energy & arms) with several Middle
Eastern nations.
Muslim
Sunni
1,001,450 85,294,388 $548.80
0.29%
Non-Muslim
4,324,782 503,890,016 $15,970.00 $35,100
0.35%
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ch.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China%E2%80%93Iran_relations
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China%E2%80%93Pakistan_relations
http://en.
http://en.
http://en.
wikipedia.
wikipedia.
wikipedia.
org/wiki/China% org/wiki/China% org/wiki/China%
E2%80%
E2%80%
E2%80%
93Syria_relations 93Palestine_relations
93Israel_relations
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/eg.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_Egypt
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_in_Egypt#Crude_oil
http://en.
http://en.
wikipedia.
wikipedia.
org/wiki/Egypt
org/wiki/2013_Egyptian_coup_d'%C3%A9tat#Internati
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ee.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistan%E2%80%93European_Union_relations
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistan%E2%80%93European_Union_relations
Muslim
Sunni
10,000
Non-Muslim
643,801
65,951,611 $2,291.00
0.01%
GAZA STRIP: Part of the State of

Palestine and currently governed by
Hamas.
Muslim
Sunni
365
1,700,000
$3,100
Non-Muslim
Muslim
Sunni
4
3
357,022
-
81,147,265 $3,250.00
1,000
-
$39,700
-
0.02%
-
Muslim
Shia
unknown
Non-Muslim
Muslim
Shia
4
6
3,287,263 1,220,800,359$4,761.00
1,648,195 79,853,900 $1,016.00
$3,900
$13,300
0.58%
9.87%
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/in.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India%E2%80%93Palestine_relations
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ir.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran%E2%80%93Iraq_relations
Muslim
Shia
438,317
31,858,481 $242.50
$7,200
9.34%
Muslim
Sunni
40,643
6,000,000
2.94%
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/iz.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraq
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran%E2%80%93Iraq_relations
http://en.
wikipedia.
org/wiki/Iraqi%
E2%80%
93Turkish_relations
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraqi_Kurdistan
http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/138359/joost-r-hiltermann/revenge-of-the-kurds
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israeli%E2%80%93Kurdish_relations
Muslim
Sunni
10,400
Muslim
Sunni
2,500
Non-Muslim
20,770
7,707,042
$252.80
$32,800
0.00%
nation
Muslim
Sunni
89,342
6,482,081
$39.29
$6,100
0%
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/is.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_Israel
http://en.
http://en.
wikipedia.
wikipedia.
org/wiki/China% org/wiki/Israel%
E2%80%
E2%80%
93Israel_relations 93Syria_relations
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/jo.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_Jordan
nation
Muslim
Sunni
17,818
2,695,316
$153.40
$40,500
6.63%
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ku.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_Kuwait#United_States
selfgoverning
region
nation
political
organisation
HAMAS: Palestinian Islamic group

governing the Gaza Strip region of the
State of Palestine. Commited to the end of
the state of Israel. Recognized as a
terrorist organisation by the US & EU, but
not by Iran, Russia & China.
HEZBOLLAH: Lebanese Shia militant
political
Islamist group & terrorist organisation,
organisation
funded by Iran, heavily involved in the
Syrian civil war
nation
IRAN: A large powerful Shia theocracy in a nation
largely Sunni Muslim world. Major political
and economic force in the region. Close to
developing a nuclear weapon. Currently
under UN sanctions.
IRAQ: Effectively a three state country
nation
with Kurd-controlled region in the North,
US-backed Shia-government controlling
Baghdad and the South, and Islamic State
(ISIS) controlling the rest.
IRAQI KURDISTAN: Kurdish northern
region
region of Iraq
ISLAMIC ARMY IN IRAQ: Shia militia
group
group formed the backbone of the Iraqi
resistance against US occupation and is
now back in action against Islamic State
(ISIS) in northern Iraq.
ISLAMIC STATE (ISIS): Violent Sunni
group
Jihadist military group, currently occupying
most of central and Northern Iraq. Also
fighting in Syria.
nation
JORDAN: Key diplomatic and strategic

player & meditator in the region
KUWAIT: Oil-rich and struggling to reform
its economic & political structures amid
much internal factional disputes.
but
Sunni
rulers
$0.77
$6,700
Palestinian political party.

governs West Bank
GDP = 2009 estimate
Palestinian political party.

governs Gaza strip
Lebanese militant
movement
underground Islamist
militant organization
combines Islamism with
Iraqi nationalism, formed
after 2003 invasion
insurgent group affiliated
with Al-Qaeda that has
declared war on Shi'a
Muslims
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatah
http://www.start.umd.edu/start/data_collections/tops/terrorist_organization_profile.asp?id=128
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_France#Middle_East
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France%E2%80%93Israel_relations
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France%E2%80%93Russia_relations
http://en.
http://en.
http://en.
wikipedia.
wikipedia.
wikipedia.
org/wiki/France% org/wiki/France% org/wiki/France%
E2%80%
E2%80%
E2%80%
93Turkey_relations93United_Kingdom_relations
93United_States_relations
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaza_Strip
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/gm.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germany%E2%80%93United_Kingdom_relations
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamas
http://www.start.umd.edu/start/data_collections/tops/terrorist_organization_profile.asp?id=49
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China%E2%80%93Palestine_relations
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hezbollah#Involvement_in_the_Syrian_civil_war
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia_and_the_Arab%E2%80%93Israeli_conflict
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_Army_in_Iraq
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_State_of_Iraq
player
DESCRIPTION
type
majority population
majority
muslim
sect
n.b. 'Syria' refers to

Assad's regime unless
stated otherwise; 'Egypt'
refers to Egyptian
military government
following 2013 coup
regional
power index
(1-10)
our calcs
territory
(km2)
population / GDP ($bn) GDP per

members
person
% world oil
reserves
notes
links
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2244rank.html?countryname=Israel&countrycode=is&regionCode=mde&rank=92#is
Lebanon
LEBANON: Complex melting pot of

communities and religions.
nation
Muslim
Sunni
10,400
4,131,583
$64.22
$16,000
0.00%
Muslim Brotherhood
MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD: Pan Arabic

religious social movement and group. Its
brand of Islamic politics differs from the
strict Salafi creed of Saudi Arabia.
Considered a terrorist organisation by
some Arab nations. Currently "under
review" by major Western governments.
OMAN: Moderate Islamic monarchy that
pragmatically avoids trouble.
PAKISTAN: Nuclear state with close ties
to the US
ISLAMIC JIHAD: Full name: "Palestinian
Islamic Jihad" - an terrorist organisation
opposed to the state of Israel, funded by
Iran
STATE OF PALESTINE: After prolonged
conflict, Fatah and Hamas formed a unity
government under Mahmoud Abbas to
unite the West Bank and Gaza Strip as a
single State of Palestine (recognised by
the UN in 2012)
QATAR: Tiny, oil rich state, notable for
directly and indirectly sponsoring Islamist
groups, especially in the Syrian Civil War.
Home of Al Jazeera. Location of the 2018
Football World Cup.
RUSSIA: Substantial arms contracts in
the Middle East. 13% of its sales going to
government forces in Syria.
SAUDI ARABIA: Regional superpower,
religious, political, economic.
organisation
Muslim
Sunni
2,000,000
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/le.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_Lebanon
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran%E2%80%93Lebanon_relations
http://en.
wikipedia.
org/wiki/Iraq%
E2%80%
93Lebanon_relations
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muslim_Brotherhood
nation
Muslim
Sunni
309,501
2,773,479
$76.00
$24,764
0.32%
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_Oman
nation
Muslim
Sunni
796,095
182,490,721 $514.56
$2,960
0.03%
organisation
Muslim
Sunni
>1,000
nation
Muslim
Sunni
6,220
4,260,636
$11.95
$2,900
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palestinian_territories
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_of_Palestine
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_the_Palestine_Liberation_Organization#Bila
http://en.
wikipedia.
org/wiki/Palestine%E2%80%93United_States_relations
nation
Muslim
Sunni
11,586
2,042,444
$191.00
$103,900
1.67%
nation
Non-Muslim
17,098,242 142,500,482 $2,555.00
$18,000
3.92%
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/qa.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_Qatar
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qatar%E2%80%93United_Arab_Emirates_relations
http://en.
wikipedia.
org/wiki/Israel%
E2%80%
93Qatar_relations
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/rs.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia_and_the_Arab%E2%80%93Israeli_conflict
nation
Muslim
Sunni
2,149,690 26,939,583 $921.70
$31,800
17.27%
SYRIA: Increasingly isolated nation after

brutal putdown of protests during Arab
Spring resulted in civil war
SYRIAN "REBELS": Umbrella term for
mainstream groups opposing the Assad
government in Syria.
nation
Muslim
Sunni
186,475
22,530,746 $59.96
$2,802
0.16%
groups and
individuals
Muslim
group
nation
Muslim
Muslim
Sunni
Sunni
2
5
783,562
106,000
(conservative
estimate)
36,000
80,694,485 $1,142.00
$15,200
0.02%
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Federation of nation

several authoritarian emirates with Dubai
as its most famous. Important economic
centre.
nation
Muslim
Sunni
83,600
5,473,972
$49,800
6.38%
Non-Muslim
243,610
63,395,574 $2,375.00
$37,500
0.18%
nation
Non-Muslim
9,826,675 316,668,567 $15,940.00 $50,700
1.35%
occupied
territory
nation
Muslim
Sunni
5,860
2,622,544
Muslim
Sunni
527,968
25,408,288 $60.06
$2,300
0.19%
Oman
Pakistan
Islamic Jihad
State of Palestine
Qatar
Russia
Saudi Arabia
Syria
Syrian "rebels"
Taliban
Turkey
UAE
UK
TURKEY: Sunni nation has many cultural

and historical ties with Middle Eastern
states.
USA
West Bank
Yemen
WEST BANK: Region of the State of

Palestine governed by Fatah.
YEMEN: Troubled and unstable region
struggling against militant factions and an
Al-Qaeda style insurgency.
Ibadhi
$275.80
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel%E2%80%93Pakistan_relations
operating in West Bank &
Gaza strip
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_Jihad_Movement_in_Palestine
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/06/world/middleeast/06wikileaks-financing.html
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sa.html
http://en.
http://en.
wikipedia.
wikipedia.
org/wiki/Israel% org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_Saudi_Arabia#West_Asia_and_North_Afric
E2%80%
93Saudi_Arabia_relations
http://en.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/21/world/middleeast/syrias-oil-a-source-of-contention-for-competing-groups.ht
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/08/29/world/meast/syria-iran-china-russia-supporters/index.html
http://www.cfr.org/syria/syrias-crisis-global-response/p28402#p4
wikipedia.
org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_Syria
http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/security/report/2013/05/14/63221/the-structure-and-organization-of-the-syrian-opposition/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taliban#International_relations
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-22980892
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/tu.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_Turkey
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkey%E2%80%93United_States_relations
http://en.
wikipedia.
org/wiki/Kuwait%
E2%80%
93Turkey_relations
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ae.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_the_United_Arab_Emirates
forms the bulk of the

Palestinian territories
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/uk.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_the_United_Kingdom
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudi_Arabia%E2%80%93United_Kingdom_relations
http://en.
http://en.
http://en.
wikipedia.
wikipedia.
wikipedia.
org/wiki/United_Arab_Emirates%E2%80%93United_Kingdom_relations
org/wiki/Yemen% org/wiki/Germany%E2%80%93Uni
E2%80%
93United_Kingdom_relations
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/us.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arab%E2%80%93American_relations
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudi_Arabia%E2%80%93United_States_relations#Post_9.2F11
http://en.
wikipedia.
org/wiki/France%
E2%80%
93United_States_relations
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_bank
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_the_Palestinian_territories#Demographics_of_the_West_Bank
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/we.html
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ym.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_Yemen
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yemen%E2%80%93United_Kingdom_relations
Middle East
Relationships
A=allies (love)
F=pretty friendly (trade)
S=strained (complicated)
E = enemies
Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Al-Qaeda
Bahrain
China
Egypt
Afghanistan
EU
Fatah
France
Gaza strip
Germany
Al-Qaeda
Bahrain
China
EU
Fatah
China
E: Egypts military government

has made cracking down on
extremist groups in the Sinai
Peninsula a priority, and the alQaeda-inspired group Ansar
Beyt al-Maqdis has emerged as
the countrys most formidable
terror threat. http://www.
theguardian.
com/world/2014/jan/31/egyptalqaida-terrorist-threat-ansarbeyt-almaqdis
E
Egypt
Germany
Hamas
Hezbollah
India
Iran
Iraq
Iraqi Kurdistan
Islamic Jihad
Israel
Jordan
Kuwait
Lebanon
Muslim Brotherhood
Oman
Pakistan
State of Palestine
Qatar
Russia
Saudi Arabia
Syria
Syrian "rebels"
Taliban
Turkey
UAE
UK
Fatah
S
France
Hezbollah
E: While nominally on the same

side in the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict, the Shiite Lebanese
militia and the Sunni international
terror network are on opposite
sides in the Syrian civil war. AlQaeda-linked groups have
carried out attacks against
Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.
http://www.reuters.
com/article/2014/06/26/uslebanon-bombingidUSKBN0F10LT20140626
E: Al Qaeda leader Ayman al

Zawahri recently announced the
launch of an India wing of the
organisation to "raise the flag of
jihad" across the subcontinent.
http://in.reuters.
com/article/2014/09/03/indiaqaedaidINKBN0GY2H420140903
A: Long-standing allies.
Bahrain's King Hamad Al Khalifa
visited India in early 2014.
Bahrain is an important trading
partner for India and over
350,000 Indian nationals work in
Bahrain. http://www.ndtv.
com/article/india/bahrain-seeksto-boost-ties-with-india-duringking-hamad-al-khalifa-s-first-visit485144
S
E
S
S - Tensions over cease-fire with
Israel.
F: Outside of Europe, China is
S
A
Germany's most important
trading partner. And Germany is
China's first trading partner in
Europe. No other European
leader has met with the Chinese
leadership as much as Angela
Merkel. http://www.dw.
de/germany-and-china-a-specialrelationship/a-17759575
F
E: The new Egyptian
E: Hamas is considered a
F: Formerly rival Palestinian
government has reportedly
terrorist organisation by the EU
factions and bitter enemies, in
arrested or killed dozens of
http://www.bbc.co.
June 2014 both parties
Hamas members within Egypt
uk/news/world-middle-eastsupported the formation of the
and destroyed the smuggling
13331522
Palestinian unity government.
tunnels used to bring goods and
This is officially nonpartisan and
weapons into Gaza. http://www.
includes no ministers who
ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,Lformally belong to any political
4403706,00.html http://gulfnews.
party. http://www.latimes.
com/news/region/egypt/egyptcom/world/middleeast/la-fgdestroys-1-370-gaza-smugglinghamas-palestinian-governmenttunnels-army-1.1303349
20140602-story.html
E: Hezbollah has been
E: The EU considers the military E
designated a terrorist group by
wing of Hezbollah a terrorist
Egypt since 2009. Ousted
organisation http://www.reuters.
Egyptian President Mohammed com/article/2013/07/22/us-euMorsi was put on trial for
hezbollahconspiring with Hezbollah and
idUSBRE96K0DA20130722
other groups. http://latimesblogs.
latimes.
com/babylonbeyond/2009/04/egypt-hizbollah-dismissed-as-terrorist.html
http://latimesblogs.latimes.
com/babylonbeyond/2009/04/egypt-hizbollah-dismissed-as-terrorist.html
India
Iran
S - Iran has recently toughened S: There are growing tensions

its immigration policy and sent
between Irans Shiite clerics and
home many Afghan refugees,
the Sunni Muslim terrorist group,
straining relations between the
particularly over the civil war in
two countries. http://www.
Syria, where they are backing
washingtonpost.com/wpopposing sides. http://www.
dyn/content/article/2007/06/15/AR2007061500292_pf.html
washingtonpost.
http://news.bbc.co.
com/world/national-security/iranuk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7039407.stm
al-qaeda-relationship-is-showingcracks-us-officials-and-analystssay/2013/03/12/f1fdace2-8b3911e2-9838-d62f083ba93f_story.
html
E: Al-Qaeda remains opposed to
F - China takes nearly half of
the U.S.-backed Shiite
Iraq's oil. http://thediplomat.
government in Iraq, http://www.
com/2014/06/chinas-deafeningtelegraph.co.
silence-on-iraq/
uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/10895026/How-al-Qaeda-regained-its-strength-in-Iraq.html
though ISIS is now the primary
threat to the Iraqi government.
S: The world's two most

F
populous nations are important
trading partners. But the
relationship is strained by
ongoing border disputes. http:
//thediplomat.
com/2013/10/indian-pm-signsborder-defense-agreement-withchina/http://www.ciis.org.
cn/english/201308/23/content_6239926.htm
F - Broad partnership based
S: The countries severed ties in F
around China's oil needs. 50% of 1980, but relations may be
Iran's oil exports go to China.
thawing: Egypt recently invited
http://thediplomat.
Iranian President Hassan
com/2013/01/asia-is-purchasing- Rouhani to the inauguration
nearly-all-of-irans-oil/
ceremony of newly elected
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah
al-Sisi. He did not attend, but the
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister
did. http://www.al-monitor.
com/pulse/politics/2014/06/egypt-sisi-inauguration-strong-gulf-support.html#
S - Despite economic
investment, China is ideologically
opposed to separatism,
http://thediplomat.
com/2014/08/can-chinastomach-an-independentkurdistan/
-
E: Formerly allies, but Al-Qaeda

cut all ties with ISIS early in
2014, criticized both its extreme
tactics and unwillingness to work
with other groups. http://www.
washingtonpost.
com/world/middle_east/al-qaedadisavows-any-ties-with-radicalislamist-isis-group-in-syriairaq/2014/02/03/2c9afc3a-8cef11e3-98ab-fe5228217bd1_story.
html
E: Israel has always been at the S
core of al-Qaedas narrative and
ideology. From the beginning of
bin Ladens jihadist war on the
Crusader-Zionist enemy, Israel
was a key target. http://www.almonitor.
com/pulse/originals/2014/01/alqaeda-israel-threat.html
F: Officially at peace the two

A: The EU is a strong supporter E
countries signed a peace treaty
of Israel. However, it also
in 1979 but Israel is unpopular believes that "the creation of an
among the Egyptian people. http: independent, viable and
//www.aljazeera.
democratic Palestinian state is in
com/focus/2010/06/20106913118995853.html
Israel's interest". http://eeas.
europa.eu/israel/index_en.htm
Jordan
F - One of only two Arab states

to have signed a peace treaty
with Israel. The other is Egypt.
Kuwait
F - Kuwait was denounced by US

officials as a "leading source of
funding for al-Qaeda linked
terrorists fighting in Syria's civil
war" (Washington Post)
http://www.washingtonpost.
com/world/nationalsecurity/kuwait-top-ally-on-syriais-also-the-leading-funder-ofextremistrebels/2014/04/25/10142b9aca48-11e3-a75e463587891b57_story.html
E
A: Kuwait pledged Egypt $4bn in

aid following Mohamed Morsi's
removal http://www.ft.
com/cms/s/0/08cf0720-e95b11e2-bf03-00144feabdc0.html
Israel
Lebanon
Muslim Brotherhood
F: The then-Afghan president

S
Hamid Karzai described the two
countries in 2011 as 'inseparable
brothers'. But tensions remain
over Pakistan's past support for
the Taliban. http://www.bbc.co.
uk/news/world-south-asia15154497
State of Palestine
E - Al-Qaeda leader Ayman alZawahiri recently called

Palestinian Authority President
Mahmoud Abbas "a traitor who is
selling out Palestine" to please
the US. http://www.ynetnews.
com/articles/0,7340,L4511353,00.html
Qatar
F - US officials have sourced

some Al Qaeda funding to Qatar
individuals & charities. Qatar has
brokered with Al Qaeda for the
release of Western hostages
http://www.washingtonpost.
com/world/nationalsecurity/islamic-charity-officialsgave-millions-to-al-qaeda-ussays/2013/12/22/e0c53ad669b8-11e3-a0b9249bbb34602c_story.html
S: Relations are strained, but

Iran depends heavily on German
imports. Around 80% of
equipment and machinery in Iran
is German-made. http:
//tehrantimes.com/economy-andbusiness/117115-germanbusinesses-should-seizelucrative-opportunities-in-irannumov-ceo
S: Former President Mohamed

E: From 2011-2013 the
E: France has provided arms to
Morsi supported the uprising
European Union imposed a full
the Syrian rebels fighing Assad's
against Bashar al-Assad and
arms embargo on Syria in
regime and in 2012 was the first
both respective embassies were response to violent repression by
Western nation to recognize the
closed after his election in 2011. Syrian government forces of
newly formed coalition of Syrian
But after the coup that toppled
peaceful protests http://www.
opposition groups as the
Morsi relations were restored
sipri.
legitimate representative of the
and the embassies reopened.
org/databases/embargoes/eu_arms_embargoes/syria_LAS/eu-embargo-on-Syria
nation. http://www.turkishweekly.
http://english.ahram.org.
net/news/148218/french-foreigneg/News/74082.aspx http:
policy-toward-syria-from//english.ahram.org.
friendship-to-hostility.html http:
eg/NewsContent/1/64/75951/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-and-Syria-to-keep-consulate-relations-FM-spo.aspx //world.time.
com/2012/11/14/francerecognizes-syrias-opposition-willthe-west-follow-suit/
E
F: In 2012, the European Union
called the new Syrian political
opposition the legitimate
representatives for the Syrian
people. http://www.nytimes.
com/2012/11/20/world/middleeast/islamists-reject-new-syrian-opposition-coalition.html?_r=0
F - The two organizations are

E
distinct and have very different
goals and ideologies. However,
documents found in the house
where Osama bin Laden was
killed show al-Qaeda leaders
and Mullah Omar, the overall
commander of the Taliban,
frequently discussed joint
operations against Nato forces in
Afghanistan, the Afghan
government and targets in
Pakistan. http://www.thenation.
com/blog/160681/taliban-not-alqaeda http://www.theguardian.
com/world/2012/apr/29/binladen-al-qaida-taliban-contact
E: Al-Qaeda has carried out a
F
F - Some strategic partnerships
number of attacks against
(industrial projects etc) though
Turkey. But Turkey only recently
some tension over the treatment
stopped supporting the alof Turkic-Urghur peoples in the
Qaeda-linked Jabhat al-Nusra in
NW XingXang province of China
Syria. http://news.bbc.co.
http://en.wikipedia.
uk/1/hi/world/europe/3222608.
org/wiki/China%E2%80%
stm http://www.usnews.
93Turkey_relations
com/news/articles/2014/06/11/why-is-jabhat-al-nusra-no-longer-useful-to-turkey
E: Whatever other shifts have

been happening in the Middle
East, Iran and Israel still hate
each other. "Iran is the center of
world terror in our time," Israeli
former President Shimon Peres
warned in January 2014. http:
//www.dw.de/iran-und-israel-thebest-of-enemies/a-17437981
E: Former Iraqi Prime Minister

F: In 2014, Israeli prime minister
Nouri al-Maliki consistently
Benjamin Netanyahu supported
refused to form any ties with
the establishment of an
Israel. On the Israeli side, Prime independent Kurdish state,
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
calling the Kurds a 'fighting
has called for the establishment people'. http://www.latimes.
of an independent Kurdistan,
com/world/middleeast/la-fgwhich would break up Iraq. http: netanyahu-israel-iraq-kurdistan//english.alarabiya.
20140629-story.html
net/articles/2012/07/01/223801.
html?
PHPSESSID=aqe9mivtonbf46e4g4f5cvoab7
http://www.bostonglobe.
com/2014/06/29/israeli-leadercalls-for-independentkurdistan/bNcYNa4xWtQM1kOoTkl6eL/story.html
F
F - Strong support for Hezbollah

from Lebanon's Shia population.
Hezbollah occupies most of the
south of the country.
org/wiki/Hezbollah
F - Arms deals ahoy!

http://www.bbc.co.
uk/news/world-middle-east24944325
F: Hamas, which maintains

control of Gaza, and Fatah,
which controls the West Bank,
are longtime rivals for political
control in the Palestinian
territories, but Hamas backed a
unity government led by Fatahs
Mahmoud Abbas in June. http:
//www.latimes.
com/world/middleeast/la-fghamas-palestinian-government20140602-story.html
E: In 2012, Hamas cut its ties

A: In 2013, Hezbollah entered
F
with Bashar al-Assads regime
the Syrian civil war war in
and moved its political
support of the Syrian army. http:
headquarters from Syria to Egypt //news.yahoo.com/hezbollahand Qatar. http://www.bbc.co.
chief-says-group-fighting-syriauk/news/world-middle-east162721809.html
17192278
E: Although it has no presence

along the Israeli-Syrian border yet - ISIS is certainly hostile to
the Jewish state and there are
some reports it may be active in
the Gaza Strip. http://www.jpost.
com/Middle-East/Analysis-ISISis-no-threat-to-Israel-374538
http://www.jewishpress.
com/news/breaking-news/hasisis-reached-the-gazastrip/2014/08/13/
Israel
F: The two countries signed a

peacy treaty in 1994 and in
February 2014 signed a $500m
gas deal. http://www.
kinghussein.gov.jo/peacetreaty.
html http://www.timesofisrael.
com/israel-jordan-sign-500million-natural-gas-deal/
E
Jordan
Kuwait
A - Islamic Jihad is an militant

group that broke away from the
Muslim Brotherhood
org/wiki/Islamic_Jihad_Movement_in_Palestine
Lebanon
Muslim Brotherhood
S: Traditionally rivals, but

F - Russia supplies arms to Iraq
becoming closer. Geographical
to fight Islamic State (ISIS). http:
proximity, shared regional
//thehill.
interests and the geopolitics of
com/policy/defense/212024energy have connected the two
hagel-us-knows-iran-russiastates on strategic, energyaiding-iraq-in-fight-against-isis
related and regional issues. And
neither like the US much. http:
//www.al-monitor.
com/pulse/originals/2014/02/iranrussia-relations-new-chapter.html
S: Shia Iran and Sunni Saudi
E: Former Prime Minister Nouri
Arabia are major rivals for
al-Maliki has accused Saudi
regional influence, though some Arabia and Qatar of supporting
recent dialogue may hold out the fighters in Iraq and effectively
possibility of a rapprochement.
declaring war on the country.
http://www.thenational.
http://www.aljazeera.
ae/thenationalconversation/comment/iran-and-saudi-arabia-test-the-limits-of-their-new-found-rapprochement
com/news/middleeast/2014/03/maliki-saudi-qatar-at-war-against-iraq-20143823436553921.html
A: Iran is often called 'Syria's

F: Former Prime Minister Nouri
E: Syria's 1.7 million Kurds have
closest ally'. Iran has provided
al-Maliki offered both moral and faced routine discrimination and
significant support for Syrian
financial support to Bashar alharassment by the government.
Government in the Syrian Civil
Assads government. http://www. http://www.theguardian.
War, including logistical,
washingtonpost.
com/world/2010/jul/16/syriantechnical and financial support,
com/world/national-security/iraq- human-rights-unchanged-assad
as well as training and some
siding-with-iran-sends-lifeline-tocombat troops. http://www.
assad/2011/10/06/gIQAFEAIWL_story.html
nytimes.
com/2011/08/28/world/middleeast/28syria.html?_r=0
org/wiki/Iranian_support_for_Syria_in_the_Syrian_Civil_War
E: Although the president of the F

State of Palestine, Mahmoud
Abbas, does officially recognise
Israel, one of the two parties in
the Palestinian unity
government, Hamas, does not. A
two-state solution seems as far
off as ever. http://www.reuters.
com/article/2014/04/26/uspalestinian-abbas-talksidUSBREA3P08820140426
Oman
F
State of Palestine
E: The Saudis want to disarm

Palestinian resistance groups
including Islamic Jihad. http:
//english.al-akhbar.
com/node/20887
E: Saudi Arabia has designated

ISIS a terrorist organisation.
However, the roots of IS's
radicalism arguably lie in Saudi
Wahhabism and Saudi Arabia
has been accused of funding
Islamists under the banner of
ISIS, an accusation it staunchly
denies. http://www.reuters.
com/article/2014/03/07/us-saudisecurityidUSBREA260SM20140307 http:
//www.huffingtonpost.
com/alastair-crooke/isiswahhabism-saudiarabia_b_5717157.html http:
//www.bbc.co.uk/news/worldmiddle-east-29004253
E: Syrian planes have recently
begun bombing targets
controlled by ISIS militants within
Iraq. http://www.washingtonpost.
com/world/nationalsecurity/syrian-aircraft-bombsunni-militant-targets-insideiraq/2014/06/24/2ea61b70-fbdc11e3-8176-f2c941cf35f1_story.
html
S: A mutually suspicious
S
relationship. But theyre both
wary of Irans nuclear intentions
and frustrated with what they see
as mixed U.S. signals on Syria.
http://www.haaretz.com/opinion/.
premium-1.557785 http:
//articles.latimes.
com/2014/mar/27/world/la-fgobama-saudi-20140328
E: Relations between the two

countries have always been
hostile and periodically violent.
Israel recently carried out
airstrikes against Syrian military
targets. http://www.bbc.co.
S: Syria has closed its embassy S - Lebanon has taken in close

in Kuwait, after Kuwait allegedly to 700,000 refugess of the Syrian
made life difficult for its
Civil War
diplomats. Previously, Syrian
expats had stormed it in protests org/wiki/Lebanon#Withdrawal_and_aftermath
against the Assad regime. http:
//en.alalam.ir/news/1575177 http:
//www.arabtimesonline.
com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/179267/reftab/36/t/Syrian-expats-storm-embassy-in-Kuwait/Default.aspx
S: Strong trading partners prior

to the Syrian war. In 2014,
Jordan expelled Syrian
ambassador Bahjat Suleiman
over "repeated insults" against
the kingdom. Jordan is host to
about 600,000 people fleeing the
conflict in Syria. http://www.
stimson.org/spotlight/why-syriamay-be-the-catalyst-for-jordansarab-spring/ http://www.bbc.co.
E: Despite an historically close

relationship, the Saudi
government recently designated
the Muslim Brotherhood a
terrorist organisation. http://www.
washingtonpost.
com/blogs/monkeycage/wp/2014/03/20/saudiarabias-muslim-brotherhoodpredicament/ http://www.
israelnationalnews.
com/Articles/Article.aspx/14994
Qatar
Russia
S: In 2013 Palestinian President E: Qatar is helping the Syrian

A - "Russia has also sided with
Mahmoud Abbas said: The
rebels http://www.theguardian.
Assad due to the strategic value
situation in Syria is dangerous,
com/commentisfree/2012/aug/08/qatar-syria-opposition
of Moscows sole naval opening,
America is going to strike Syria
Tartus base in Syria,
with missiles. Our stance is
complementing arms sales, and
unchanged, we are against the
construction interests"
strike. We do not accept any
http://thediplomat.
strike against an Arab country,
com/2014/05/iran-turkey-andwe will not allow that. At the
chinas-middle-eastern-pivot/
same time, we condemn the use
of chemical weapons and we
want a peaceful solution for the
Syrian crisis. http://www.aawsat.
net/2013/09/article55315672
S: Jordan has allowed the CIA to

covertly train small groups
opposing Assad within its
borders. But it recently refused to
allow the US to expand this
program, fearing threats to its
stability from the Syrian civil war
and the rise of extremist groups
such as ISIS. http://www.reuters.
com/article/2014/07/12/us-usasyria-jordanidUSKBN0FH0EI20140712 http:
//www.al-monitor.
com/pulse/originals/2014/07/jordan-syria-islamic-state-iraq-war-rebels-neutral.html
S - Unhappy with Qatar's support

for the Muslim Brotherhood in
Egypt
Saudi Arabia
F: Qatar is helping the Syrian

S: Close economic ties, but

Iran's relations with Turkey have
soured over Turkey's growing
leadership position in the region
since the dawn of the Arab
Spring. Iran firmly backs the
Syrian government of Bashar alAssad for decades, while Turkey
supports the Syrian opposition.
http://www.csmonitor.
com/USA/ForeignPolicy/2012/0406/Why-Iran-gothuffy-about-a-certain-locale-fornext-nuclear-talks
Pakistan
S - Despite rumours to the

E - Qatar's financial and logistical
F: Qatar has a close historical
F
contrary, Western analysts and
support for Hamas makes it a
relationship with the Muslim
Arab diplomats say Islamic State direct enemy of Israel
Brotherhood. The Emir of Qatar,
is not backed by Qatari money
http://mobile.nytimes.
Shaikh Tamim bin-Hamad, has
com/2014/09/08/world/middleeast/qatars-support-of-extremists-alienates-allies-near-and-far.html?emc=edit_th_20140908&nl=todaysheadlines&nlid=69516078&_r=0&referrer=
said that support for the Muslim
com/2014/09/08/world/middleeast/qatars-support-of-extremists-alienates-allies-near-and-far.html?emc=edit_th_20140908&nl=todaysheadlines&nlid=69516078&_r=0&referrer=Brotherhood is a "duty" for which
no thanks are necessary.
However, Qatar recently asked
several members of the
brotherhood to leave the country.
http://www.thenational.
ae/world/qatar/inside-doha-atthe-heart-of-a-gcc-dispute https:
//www.middleeastmonitor.
com/news/middle-east/9000qatar-emir-support-for-muslimbrotherhood-is-a-duty, http:
//www.theguardian.
com/world/2014/sep/13/qatarsenior-muslim-brotherhoodleaders-leave-country-morsi
E - Russia deems the group a
F
terrorist organisation.
S: Around 3 million people of

F: Though most of Turkey's
Turkish background live in
Western allies consider Hamas a
Germany and the countries have terrorist organisation, Turkey
strong economic ties.But recent itself does not. Prime Minister
revelations of German spies in
Recep Tayyip Erdogan has
Turkey have soured relations.
hosted Hamas leader Khaled
Meshal three times, the only
org/wiki/Demographics_of_Germany
NATO country that has done so.
http://www.newsweek.
http://www.al-monitor.
com/germany-spied-turkeycom/pulse/originals/2014/08/turkey-palestine-israel-gaza-hamas-meshal-kidnapping.html
eavesdropped-top-us-diplomats- http://www.jpost.com/Diplomacymedia-reports-say-265213
and-Politics/Turkish-PMErdogan-hosts-increasinglyisolated-Hamas-leader-Mashaalin-Ankara-328176
E: The UK considers Al-Qaeda a F

S - Strained since UK prime
F - Strong military ties including
terrorist group https://www.gov.
minister met the Dalai Lama in
access to the Suez Canal.
uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/324603/20140627-List_of_Proscribed_organisations_WEBSITE_final.pdf
2013
E: In 2013, Hezbollah entered

the Syrian civil war war in
support of the Syrian army. In a
televised address, Sheikh
Hassan Nasrallah said Hezbollah
members were fighting in Syria
against Islamic extremists who
pose a danger to Lebanon. http:
//news.yahoo.com/hezbollahchief-says-group-fighting-syria162721809.html
E: Turkey expelled Egypts

S
ambassador in late 2013
because of provocative
criticisms of Cairo by Turkeys
prime minister Recep Tayyip
Erdogan. http://www.nytimes.
com/2013/11/24/world/middleeast/diplomatic-ties-fraying-between-egypt-and-turkey.html
S: The leader of Hezbollah

F
F
recently said the Lebanese
resistance movement would
stand by the Palestinians against
the Israeli attacks on the Gaza
Strip. Mahmoud Abbas has
criticized Hezbollah in the past,
but not very strongly. http://www.
presstv.
com/detail/2014/07/21/372184/hezbollah-stands-by-palestine-nasrallah/
http://www.nytimes.
com/2005/02/17/international/middleeast/17diplo.html?_r=0
S: The Saudis have traditionally E: The Saudi kingdom has

been backers of Palestinian unity blacklisted the Shiite movement
governments but in 2014 Saudi
as a terrorist group. http:
Arabia designated Hamas
//english.alarabiya.
parent organization, the Muslim net/en/News/middleBrotherhood, as a terrorist group. east/2014/03/07/Saudi-ArabiaThe Saudis also want to disarm declares-Muslim-BrotherhoodPalestinian resistance groups
terrorist-group.html
including Hamas. http://english.
alarabiya.net/en/News/middleeast/2014/03/07/Saudi-Arabiadeclares-Muslim-Brotherhoodterrorist-group.html http://en.
alalam.ir/news/1616372
F - Qatar has provided funding

F
E: Former Prime Minister Nouri
for Hamas and a base for its
al-Maliki has accused Saudi
leaders.
Arabia and Qatar of supporting
fighters in Iraq and effectively
declaring war on the country.
http://www.aljazeera.
com/news/middleeast/2014/03/maliki-saudi-qatar-at-war-against-iraq-20143823436553921.html
Islamic Jihad
S: Co-operation between the two F

governments, but the Lebanese
public are highly polarised in
their opinions of Iran, largely
along religious lines. 91% of
Lebanese Shia Muslims hold a
positive view of Iran, compared
with just 5% of Sunni Muslims
and 32% of Christians. http:
//www.irantracker.org/foreignrelations/lebanon-iran-foreignrelations http://www.pewglobal.
org/2012/05/18/a-global-no-to-anuclear-armed-iran/
F
F
E: Al-Qaeda supports the fight

against Bashar al-Assads
regime through its local affiliate
Jabhat al-Nusra. http://www.
washingtonpost.com/blogs/postpartisan/post/al-qaeda-affiliateplaying-larger-role-in-syriarebellion/2012/11/30/203d06f43b2e-11e2-9258ac7c78d5c680_blog.html
E - Long running military conflict F

and skirmishs with Hezbollah
forces in Lebanon
org/wiki/Hezbollah#Conflict_with_Israel
A - Hamas is an offshoot of the

Muslim Brotherhood
http://www.brookings.
edu/research/testimony/2014/07/16-iran-nuclear-deal-israel-sachs
F: Saudi Arabia supported the

coup that ousted President
Mohamed Morsi and has
provided financial backing for the
new Egyptian government. http:
//www.theguardian.
com/commentisfree/2013/aug/20/saudi-arabia-coup-egypt
http://www.nytimes.
com/2013/08/20/world/middleeast/saudi-arabia-vows-to-back-egypts-rulers.html?pagewanted=all
UAE
E: At war. Israel insists it will not

deal with a Palestinian
government backed by Hamas which is sworn to Israel's
destruction. http://www.bbc.co.
F. French is widely spoken in

Lebanon. In 2006, French troops
serving in Lebanon nearly fired
on Israeli aircraft. http://news.
bbc.co.
uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6131458.stm
E: Al-Qaeda supports the

A: Relations are close. Both
F - China takes a large amount
overthrow of the House of Saud, countries have Sunni rulers.
of oil from Saudi Arabia.
and Saudi security forces have
Bahrain's ruling Al-Khalifa clan
cracked down on al-Qaeda cells trace their ancestry back to
within the country. However,
Saudi Arabia and in 2011 openly
private individuals in Saudi
used Saudi troops against
Arabia have previously funded
Bahraini protestors. http://blogs.
al-Qaeda, according to leaked
ft.com/beyondUS diplomatic cables. http:
brics/2011/02/17/bahrain-why-it//www.bloomberg.
matters-to-saudi-arabia/ http:
com/news/2014-05-06/saudi//www.aljazeera.
arabia-forces-uncover-al-qaeda- com/indepth/opinion/2011/08/2011829104128700299.html
linked-cell-plotting-attack.html
http://www.telegraph.co.
uk/news/worldnews/wikileaks/8182847/Wikileaks-Saudis-chief-funders-of-al-Qaeda.html
E: At the end of the August 2014, F

a long-term ceasefire was
agreed between Israel and
Palestinians in the Gaza Strip
after 7 weeks of fighting that left
more than 2,200 people, mostly
Palestinians, dead. http://www.
bbc.co.uk/news/world-middleeast-28939350
A - Saudi Arabia is one of the

major funders of Afghanistan,
financing the main highway
project (with the US) and the
largest mosque in the country.
http://www.arabnews.
com/news/461840
Turkey
E: ISIS isnt just a serious

security threat to Iraq, it
threatens to carve out a new
country with different borders.
http://apps.washingtonpost.
com/g/page/world/map-how-isisis-carving-out-a-newcountry/1095/
E: Historically hostile and at war

many times during the twentieth
century. Tensions remain over
Kashmir. The 2008 Mumbai
attacks by ten Pakistani terrorists
killed over 173 and wounded
308. http://en.wikipedia.
org/wiki/India%E2%80%
93Pakistan_relations
S: Locked in ongoing territorial

Iraqi Kurdistan
disputes. Approximately 4 million
Kurds live in the region of
northern Iraq known as Iraqi
Kurdistan. http://en.wikipedia.
org/wiki/Kurds_in_Iraq
E: The rise of ISIS is a major

threat to Iranian interests in both
Iraq and Syria. Iran is flying
drones over Iraq to aid the
government in its fight against
ISIS. http://online.wsj.
com/articles/iran-now-flying-spydrones-over-iraq-u-s-says1403707333
F - Construction and oil deals.
Iraq
E: ISIS reportedly has a

recruitment presence in Gaza,
and Hamas authorities have
attempted to clamp down on
young Palestinians going to join
the fight in Syria. http://www.almonitor.
com/pulse/originals/2014/05/gaza-denies-isis-presence-jihadist-killed-syria.html#
A: Historical allies, SinoS

F
F
F
Pakistani relations are rosy.
Chinese premier Li Kequiang
described the two countries'
friendship in 2013 as a "towering
tree" and a 2012 PEW survey
put China's approval rating
among Pakistanis at 90%. http:
//strategiskanalyse.
no/Publikasjoner%202014/201402-27_SISA16_Sino-Pak_QS.
pdf
F
F: The Palestinian Authority (now F
A: In June 2014 Fatah and
A: Gaza is part of the claimed
rebranded the State of Palestine)
Hamas were sworn in as the
territory of the State of Palestine.
supported the ouster of former
unity government of the State of
Egyptian President Mohamed
Palestine http://www.bbc.co.
org/wiki/State_of_Palestine
Morsi, who was supported by
uk/news/world-middle-eastrival Hamas. In August 2014,
27660218
Egypt brokered a ceasefire deal
between Israel and Palestinian
militants in Gaza. http://www.
jpost.com/Middle-East/Egypt-FMvisits-Ramallah-in-effort-to-boostties-with-PA-324311 http://www.
F
S - Qatar's funding of the Islamic
Brotherhood has upset Egypt's
military rulers and other gulf
states.
F: The two countries have been

moving closer, especially since
the outbreak of unrest in Syria.
Iran is flying drones over Iraq to
aid the government in its fight
against ISIS. http://www.almonitor.
com/pulse/politics/2013/04/iraniraq-relations-possible-alliance.
html# http://online.wsj.
com/articles/iran-now-flying-spydrones-over-iraq-u-s-says1403707333
S
Saudi Arabia
S: Former close allies, but Iran

A: Iran is a major funder of
F
Iran
cut its support to Hamas after
Hezbollah, much to the US's
they found themselves on
consternation. The funding
opposite sides of the Syrian
mostly flows through unofficial,
conflict. More recently, however, non-governmental channels.
they've started to rebuild the
http://english.al-akhbar.
relationship. http://www.
com/node/10553
telegraph.co.
uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/palestinianauthority/10091629/Iran-cuts-Hamas-funding-over-Syria.html
http://www.theguardian.
com/world/2014/jan/09/hamasiran-rebuild-ties-falling-out-syria
A: Iran has publicly expressed its

support for Islamic Jihad and its
leaders. http://www.al-monitor.
com/pulse/originals/2014/02/islamic-jihad-fatah-hamas-iran-palestinians.html#
Taliban
S: The two groups have long

Hezbollah
shared a common goal in the
struggle against Israel. Their
relationship soured after Hamas
made the decision to support the
rebels fighting Bashar al-Assad,
but more recently the ice has
broken after representatives of
both groups have spoken out
together in support of Gaza. http:
//www.wilsoncenter.
org/islamists/article/the-marriageand-divorce-hamas-andhezbollah http://www.al-monitor.
com/pulse/originals/2014/08/hamas-hezbollah-relations-meshaal-normalization.html#
India
S: IJ was created after some

E: The EU considers PIJ a
members of the Egyptian Muslim terrorist organisation http://en.
Brotherhood believed that the
wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:
organization did not commit
European_Union_designated_terrorist_organizations
enough effort to prevent Israel
from occupying Palestinian
territories. http://en.wikipedia.
org/wiki/Islamic_Jihad_Movement_in_Palestine
E: ISIS is attempting to extend its
influence in Egypt by providing
instructions and training to antigovernment Islamist groups
within the country. http://www.
ibtimes.com/isis-trainingegyptian-islamists-attacksecurity-forces-1680530
Syrian "rebels"
Hamas
Russia
Syria
Germany
A: Hamas ousted rival party

Fatah from Gaza in 2007 and
governed the region until the
formation of the unity
government in 2014. http://www.

Islamic Jihad
Gaza strip
F: The two governments are

S
relatively friendly. Egypt supports
Iraq remaining a unified state.
http://www.reuters.
com/article/2014/07/06/us-egyptsisi-kurdsidUSKBN0FB0UY20140706
Iraqi Kurdistan
UK
Gaza strip
EU
F - Germany remains one of the E

most significant donors of foreign
aid and partners in the rebuilding
of Afghanistan. http://www.bmz.
de/en/what_we_do/countries_regions/asien/afghanistan/cooperation.html
F: The two groups share a hatred

of Israel, but their ultimate goals
are quite different. Hamas
authorities in Gaza have at times
clashed with even more radical
al-Qaeda-linked groups there.
http://www.longwarjournal.
org/archives/2009/08/hamas_and_al_qaeda_l.php
Oman
Pakistan
France
Bahrain
Hamas
Iraq
Egypt
Al-Qaeda
S - Militants from the Tehreek-eTaliban Pakistan (TTP) have

been waging an insurgency in
Pakistan since 2007. Peace talks
began in March 2014. http:
//www.bbc.co.uk/news/worldasia-26731838
S: The Turkish government has

blamed outgoing PM Nouri alMalikis misrule for the chaos in
Iraq. Malikis government was
also angered earlier this year by
a gas deal signed between
Turkey and the Kurdish Regional
Government that was signed
without Baghdads consent. http:
//www.todayszaman.
com/diplomacy_turkey-blamesiraqi-govt-for-mosul-hostagecrisis_350385.html http://www.
voanews.com/content/turkeyiraqi-kurdistan-seal-50-yearenergy-deal/1930721.html
E: The Turkish government is in

conflict with various Kurdish
insurgent groups operating within
Turkey, mainly the PKK. The
PKK's military presence in Iraq's
Kurdistan Region, from which it
launches attacks on Turkey, has
resulted in the Turkish military
carrying out frequent ground
incursions and air and artillery
strikes in the region. http://news.
bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7260478.stm
E: The UK officially considers

E: The UK considers the
F
S: Diplomatic relations have
F
Hamas a terrorist organisation.
Hezbollah's External Security
been largely restored between
https://www.gov.
Organisation and Military Wing to
the two former enemies, whose
be terrorist groups https://www.
leaders recently met for the first
gov.
time since 1979. http://www.
theguardian.
com/politics/2014/jun/17/britishembassy-iran-tehran-reopenedwilliam-hague http://www.
theguardian.
com/world/2014/sep/24/leadersuk-iran-cameron-rouhani-meetun-new-york
E: Turkey has been accused of

S: Prime Minister Recep Tayyip
supporting ISIS. Despite this,
Erdogan has been one of Israels
ISIS has abducted dozens of
most vociferous international
Turkish citizens in Iraq. 32
critics, particularly since the
Turkish truck drivers held
killing of nine Turkish activists in
hostage were freed recently, but the 2010 Gaza flotilla raid. But
another group of 50 remain in
despite the dismal political
captivity. http://www.al-monitor.
relationship, economic ties are
com/pulse/originals/2014/08/syria-kurd-pyd-asayish-isis-turkey-islamic-state.html
flourishing. http:
http://www.breitbart.com/Big//globalpublicsquare.blogs.cnn.
Peace/2014/07/30/ISIS-Fighter- com/2012/05/31/turkey-israelClaims-Turkey-Funds-thepotential-for-a-fresh-start/
Jihadist-Group http://news.
yahoo.com/turkish-drivers-heldiraq-released-113026610.html
F - Many British companies now

operating in Kurdistan. Mostly
energy companies, y'know.
E: The Islamic Army are an

E: The UK considers
E
F - Friendly with business ties,
F
Islamist militant organisation
(Palestinian) Islamic Jihad to be
though UK supports the "two
formed to fight the US / UK
a terrorist group https://www.gov.
state solution"
coalition following the invasion of uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/324603/20140627-List_of_Proscribed_organisations_WEBSITE_final.pdf
Iraq. http://en.wikipedia.
org/wiki/Islamic_Army_in_Iraq
S - The UK government are

conducting a review of their
relations of the Muslim
Brotherhood
S: Omani authorities uncovered

a network of UAE spies in 2011,
straining relations between the
countries. http://www.bbc.co.
A
E: Saudi Arabia, along with

Syria
Turkey and Qatar, is one of the
major regional backers of the
rebels fighting to overthrow
Bashar al-Assad. http://www.
theguardian.
F: Saudi Arabia, along with

E: Rebel groups including the
Syrian "rebels"
Turkey and Qatar, is one of the
Free Syrian Army and the Islamic
major regional backers of the
Front have been engaged in
rebels fighting to overthrow
armed conflict with the Syrian
Bashar al-Assad. http://www.
government, led by Bashar altheguardian.
Assad, since 2011. http://en.
wikipedia.
org/wiki/Syrian_Civil_War
F: Turkey has provided

significant amounts of economic
aid to the Palestinian Authority
http://www.todayszaman.
com/news-340113-envoy-turkeyto-send-5-million-to-palestinianauthority-next-week.html
Taliban
S: The two countries are involved E: Turkey is helping the Syrian

F: Turkey is helping the Syrian
in a 'cold war' for domination of
the Sunni religious sphere. http: com/commentisfree/2012/aug/08/qatar-syria-opposition
//www.al-monitor.
com/pulse/originals/2014/04/saudi-arabia-turkey-muslim-brotherhood-sunni-middle-east.html#
S - UAE diplomats were removed

S
E
F
from Qatar due to its support of
the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt
F
S - the UK backs international

sanctions against Russia in
response to the Ukrainian
situation.
A - Strong military & trade ties.

Saudi Arabia is the UK's number
one trading partner in the Middle
East.
F - UK government is supplying
"non-lethal" support to the
mainstream Syrian opposition
S - Involved in arranging peace

talks between the Taliban, US
and Afghanistan. http://www.
theguardian.
com/world/2013/jun/18/uspeace-talks-taliban-afghanistan
Turkey
UAE
UK
USA
West Bank
Yemen
Middle East
Relationships
A=allies (love)
F=pretty friendly (trade)
S=strained (complicated)
E = enemies
Afghanistan
USA
A: Officially allies after NATO

E: The US considers Al-Qaeda to F
forces overthrew the previous
be a terrorist organization http:
Taliban-led government in 2001. //www.state.
But departing Afghan president
gov/j/ct/rls/other/des/123085.htm
Hamid Karzai has been
increasingly critical of US military
involvement in the country,
recently saying "Afghans died in
a war that's not ours". http:
//www.independent.co.
uk/news/world/asia/hamid-karzaithe-us-betrayed-us-saysafghanistans-president-9166580.
html
Al-Qaeda
Bahrain
China
Egypt
S - Concord over North Korea &

combating Climate Change.
Tension over cyber-espionage &
Taiwan.
F: The United States has

A
provided significant military and
economic assistance to Egypt
since the late 1970s. In 2014, the
US will provide Egypt with up to
$250 million in economic aid and
up to $1.3 billion in military aid
meaning weapons from US
defence contractors. http://fas.
org/sgp/crs/mideast/RL33003.pdf
West Bank
Yemen
E: Ongoing armed conflict

between Al-Qaeda & the Yemeni
government in Yemen. Al-Qaeda
have blown up a number of oil
pipelines across Yemen in last
few years. http://en.alalam.
ir/news/1531375 http://news.
xinhuanet.
com/english/world/201407/23/c_133505809.htm
F - Recent energy &

F
infrastructure related projects
signal China's growing interest to
partner the Arab regions most
vulnerable state.
http://thediplomat.
com/2014/06/why-is-chinainterested-in-a-volatile-yemen/
EU
Fatah
A: Fatah controlled the West

Bank, but not Gaza, between
2007 and the formation of a
Palestinian unity government
with Hamas in 2014. http://www.
France
Gaza strip
Germany
Hamas
E: Hamas has been on the US's E: Hezbollah has been on the

Foreign Terrorist Organization
US list of Foreign Terrorist
list since 1997, though the US
Organizations since 1997 http:
has stated it will work with the
//www.state.
Hamas-backed Palestinian unity gov/j/ct/rls/other/des/123085.htm
government, angering Israel.
http://www.state.
gov/j/ct/rls/other/des/123085.htm
http://www.theguardian.
com/world/2014/jun/03/israel-uspalestinian-unity-governmentnetanyahu
Hezbollah
S - Reports of tension between

the two regions after a ceasefire
with Israel.
India
Iran
Iraq
Iraqi Kurdistan
E: Still enemies, but under new

President Hassan Rouhani there
s been more progress toward a
nuclear deal and the two are now
tacitly cooperating in helping the
Iraqi military fight ISIS. In 2013
Rouhani and Obama held a
phone call - the first between US
and Iranian heads of state for 30
years. http://www.bbc.co.
S: The U.S. facilitated Nouri alMalikis rise to power and has

now sent military advisers to help
in the fight against ISIS. On the
other hand, the Obama
administration has recently
signaled that it wants a new
government in Iraq without Prime
Minister Nouri al-Maliki. http:
//online.wsj.com/articles/u-ssignals-1403137521
A: The Kurds are long-time US

E: The Islamic Army are a Shia
E: Palestinian Islamic Jihad has E: The U.S. is training and
A: Strong allies, but the Gaza
A: Jordan has allowed the CIA to F
allies. The U.S. protected the
Islamist militant organisation
been on the US's list of Foreign
equipping members of Syrian
conflict is straining the
covertly train small groups
Kurds from Saddam Hussein for formed to fight the US / UK
Terrorist Organizations since
rebel groups in an attempt to
relationship. In August 2014 the opposing Assad within its
a decade with a no-fly zone after coalition following the invasion of 1997 http://www.state.
contain ISIS. http://www.nytimes. US State Department
borders. But it recently refused to
the first Gulf War. And after
Iraq. http://en.wikipedia.
gov/j/ct/rls/other/des/123085.htm com/2014/06/27/world/middleeast/obama-seeks-500-million-to-train-and-equip-syrian-opposition.html?ref=world&_r=0
condemned Israels strike on a
allow the US to expand this
Saddam fell in 2003, the Kurds
org/wiki/Islamic_Army_in_Iraq
United Nations school in Gaza,
program, fearing threats to its
invited the U.S. to set up a
saying it was appalled by this
stability from the Syrian civil war
permanent military base in their
disgraceful act, after weeks of
and the rise of extremist groups
territory. http://online.wsj.
mounting American anger toward such as ISIS. http://www.reuters.
com/articles/abandoning-thethe Israeli government.
com/article/2014/07/12/us-usakurds-1407196106
syria-jordanidUSKBN0FH0EI20140712
Islamic Jihad
Israel
Jordan
Kuwait
Lebanon
Oman
Pakistan
State of Palestine
S: The US provides military aid

S
to Lebanon and supports it as a
democratic state. But this has
caused a conflict of interest since
Hezbollah forced Lebanese
Prime Minister Najib Mikatis
government out of office in
March 2013. http://www.
internationalpolicydigest.
org/2014/02/10/u-s-aid-lebanondelicate-balance/
Muslim Brotherhood
S: A mistrustful alliance. Osama

bin Laden was killed by US
forces in Pakistan and Pakistan
has helped capture Al-Qaeda
members but former US Defence
Secretary Robert Gates
described Pakistan as "really no
ally at all". http://www.state.
gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3453.htm http:
//www.huffingtonpost.com/premm-trivedi/hope-for-a-newparadigm-i_b_4659286.html
S: The U.S. is a major economic F

S - According to one California
backer of the Palestinian
senator, relations between the
Authority and has continued to
two big players are again at Cold
support talks with Israel, but
War levels of tension after
Palestinians have been
Russia's handling of the shooting
frustrated with U.S. reluctance to
down of Malaysia Airlines flight
put pressure on Israel and the U.
17 over Ukraine. http://www.
S. has attempted to block recent
washingtonpost.com/blogs/postPalestinian statehood bids at the
politics/wp/2014/07/20/feinsteinUnited Nations. http://www.
u-s-russia-relationship-is-at-coldnytimes.
war-levels/
com/2011/09/14/world/middleeast/us-scrambling-to-avert-palestinian-vote-at-un.html?pagewanted=all
E: Relations are tense. People

with an Israeli passport or one
showing they have visited Israel
cannot enter Yemen. http:
//www.yemenweb.com/visa.htm
Qatar
Russia
Saudi Arabia
Syria
S: The historical close alliance

has been strained by differences
of opinion on Iran's nuclear
program, Egypt's revolution, and
Syria's civil war. And booming
domestic production means the
US is less dependent on Saudi
oil than it used to be. http://www.
economist.com/news/middleeast-and-africa/21599767american-president-and-saudiking-will-have-unusually-edgy
E: The US government has

F: The US has provided air to the S: Former enemies, have been in
imposed sanctions on Syria,
Free Syrian Army, a rebel group peace negotiations since 2009.
provided covert aid to the Free
http://www.al-monitor.
In May 2014 US officials made
Syrian Army, a rebel group, and com/pulse/originals/2012/alpublic an agreement with the
threatened airstrikes over Assad monitor/us-authorizes-financial- Taliban to release Sgt. Bergdahl,
s use of chemical weapons. http: support.html
the only remaining US prisoner
//www.state.
of war, in exchange for the
gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3580.htm http:
release of five Taliban prisoners
//www.al-monitor.
held at Guantanamo Bay. The
com/pulse/originals/2012/alUS is trying to set up peace talks
monitor/us-authorizes-financialbetween the Taliban and current
support.html http://abcnews.go.
Afghan government. http://online.
com/International/wireStory/syrian-official-warns-us-unilateral-airstrikes-25112327
wsj.com/articles/u-s-talibanprisoner-exchange-reviveshopes-for-afghan-peace-talks1401573782
A: The West Bank is part of the

claimed territory of the State of
Palestine.
Syrian "rebels"
Taliban
Turkey
UAE
UK
USA
West Bank
Yemen
F: Friends, but the relationship

F
A: The 'special relationship' is as USA
has frayed recently over U.S.
strong as ever.
criticism of Turkish PM Recep
Tayyip Erdogans increasingly
authoritarian rule and Turkish
frustrations over Americas
hesitant response to Syria. http:
//www.al-monitor.
com/pulse/originals/2014/07/candar-erdogan-israeli-operation-gaza-washington-ankara-ties.html#
West Bank
Yemen
ABC News
Ahram (Egypt)
Ahram (Egypt)
Al Arabiya
Al Arabiya
Al Arabiya
Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera
Al-Akhbar (Lebanon)
Al-Akhbar (Lebanon)
Al-Monitor
Al-Monitor
Al-Monitor
Al-Monitor
Al-Monitor
Al-Monitor
Al-Monitor
Al-Monitor
Al-Monitor
Al-Monitor
Al-Monitor
Alalam (Iran)
Alalam (Iran)
Arab News
Arab Times Online
Asharq Al-Awat
BBC
BBC
BBC
BBC
BBC
BBC
BBC
BBC
BBC
BBC
BBC
BBC
BBC
BBC
BBC
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/syrian-official-warns-us-unilateral-airstrikes-25112327
http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/74082.aspx
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/75951/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-and-Syria-to-keep-consulate-relations-FM-spo.aspx
http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/07/01/223801.html?PHPSESSID=aqe9mivtonbf46e4g4f5cvoab7
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/03/07/Saudi-Arabia-declares-Muslim-Brotherhood-terrorist-group.html
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/03/07/Saudi-Arabia-declares-Muslim-Brotherhood-terrorist-group.html
http://www.aljazeera.com/focus/2010/06/20106913118995853.html
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/03/maliki-saudi-qatar-at-war-against-iraq-20143823436553921.html
http://english.al-akhbar.com/node/10553
http://english.al-akhbar.com/node/20887
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2012/al-monitor/us-authorizes-financial-support.html
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/01/al-qaeda-israel-threat.html
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/02/iran-russia-relations-new-chapter.html
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/02/islamic-jihad-fatah-hamas-iran-palestinians.html#
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/04/saudi-arabia-turkey-muslim-brotherhood-sunni-middle-east.html#
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/05/gaza-denies-isis-presence-jihadist-killed-syria.html#
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/07/candar-erdogan-israeli-operation-gaza-washington-ankara-ties.html#
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/08/hamas-hezbollah-relations-meshaal-normalization.html#
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/08/turkey-palestine-israel-gaza-hamas-meshal-kidnapping.html
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/politics/2013/04/iran-iraq-relations-possible-alliance.html#
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/politics/2014/06/egypt-sisi-inauguration-strong-gulf-support.html#
http://en.alalam.ir/news/1531375
http://en.alalam.ir/news/1616372
http://www.arabnews.com/news/461840
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/179267/reftab/36/t/Syrian-expats-storm-embassy-in-Ku
http://www.aawsat.net/2013/09/article55315672
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/3222608.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6131458.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7039407.stm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26731838
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12320859
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-15154497
Bloomberg
Boston GLobe
Brookings Institution
Christian Science Monitor
CNN
DW (Deutsche Welle)
DW (Deutsche Welle)
Economist
EU External Action Service
Financial Times
German Federal Ministry for Economic
Cooperation and Development
Global Research (Canada)
Guardian (UK)
Guardian (UK)
Guardian (UK)
Guardian (UK)
Guardian (UK)
Guardian (UK)
Guardian (UK)
Guardian (UK)
Guardian (UK)
Gulf News
Haaretz (Israel)
Huffington Post
Huffington Post
Independent (UK)
International Business Times
International Policy Digest
Jerusalem Post
Jerusalem Post
Jerusalem Post
Jewish Press
King Hussein of Jordan tribute page
LA Times
LA Times
LA Times
LA Times
Middle East Monitor
NDTV (India)
New York Times
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-05-06/saudi-arabia-forces-uncover-al-qaeda-linked-cell-plotting-attack.html
http://www.bostonglobe.com/2014/06/29/israeli-leader-calls-for-independent-kurdistan/bNcYNa4xWtQM1kOoTkl6eL/story.html
http://www.brookings.edu/research/testimony/2014/07/16-iran-nuclear-deal-israel-sachs
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Foreign-Policy/2012/0406/Why-Iran-got-huffy-about-a-certain-locale-for-next-nuclear-talks
http://globalpublicsquare.blogs.cnn.com/2012/05/31/turkey-israel-potential-for-a-fresh-start/
http://www.dw.de/germany-and-china-a-special-relationship/a-17759575
http://www.dw.de/iran-und-israel-the-best-of-enemies/a-17437981
http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21599767-american-president-and-saudi-king-will-have-unusually-edgy
http://eeas.europa.eu/israel/index_en.htm
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/08cf0720-e95b-11e2-bf03-00144feabdc0.html
http://www.bmz.de/en/what_we_do/countries_regions/asien/afghanistan/cooperation.html
http://www.globalresearch.ca/china-and-the-us-saudi-israeli-plan-for-the-middle-east/5348325
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/aug/08/qatar-syria-opposition
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/aug/20/saudi-arabia-coup-egypt
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jul/16/syrian-human-rights-unchanged-assad
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/apr/29/bin-laden-al-qaida-taliban-contact
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jun/18/us-peace-talks-taliban-afghanistan
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/09/hamas-iran-rebuild-ties-falling-out-syria
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/31/egypt-alqaida-terrorist-threat-ansar-beyt-almaqdis
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/03/israel-us-palestinian-unity-government-netanyahu
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/13/qatar-senior-muslim-brotherhood-leaders-leave-country-morsi
http://gulfnews.com/news/region/egypt/egypt-destroys-1-370-gaza-smuggling-tunnels-army-1.1303349
http://www.haaretz.com/opinion/.premium-1.557785
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alastair-crooke/isis-wahhabism-saudi-arabia_b_5717157.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/prem-m-trivedi/hope-for-a-new-paradigm-i_b_4659286.html
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/hamid-karzai-the-us-betrayed-us-says-afghanistans-president-9166580.html
http://www.ibtimes.com/isis-training-egyptian-islamists-attack-security-forces-1680530
http://www.internationalpolicydigest.org/2014/02/10/u-s-aid-lebanon-delicate-balance/
http://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/Turkish-PM-Erdogan-hosts-increasingly-isolated-Hamas-leader-Mashaal-in-Ankara
http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Egypt-FM-visits-Ramallah-in-effort-to-boost-ties-with-PA-324311
http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/US-increases-financial-aid-to-Palestinians-links-it-to-progress-in-peace-talks-336769
http://www.jewishpress.com/news/breaking-news/has-isis-reached-the-gaza-strip/2014/08/13/
http://www.kinghussein.gov.jo/peacetreaty.html
http://articles.latimes.com/2014/mar/27/world/la-fg-obama-saudi-20140328
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2009/04/egypt-hizbollah-dismissed-as-terrorist.html
http://www.latimes.com/world/middleeast/la-fg-hamas-palestinian-government-20140602-story.html
http://www.latimes.com/world/middleeast/la-fg-netanyahu-israel-iraq-kurdistan-20140629-story.html
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/middle-east/9000-qatar-emir-support-for-muslim-brotherhood-is-a-duty
http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/bahrain-seeks-to-boost-ties-with-india-during-king-hamad-al-khalifa-s-first-visit-485144
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/09/08/world/middleeast/qatars-support-of-extremists-alienates-allies-near-and-far.html?emc=edi
New York Times

New York Times
New York Times
New York Times
New York Times
New York Times
New York Times
New York Times
New York Times
New York Times
New York Times
New York Times
Newsweek
PressTV (Iran)
Reuters
Reuters
Reuters
Reuters
Reuters
Reuters
SIPRI
SISA (Centre for International and Strategic
Analysis)
Slate
Tehran Times
Telegraph (UK)
Telegraph (UK)
Telegraph (UK)
The Diplomat.com
The Diplomat.com
The Diplomat.com
The Diplomat.com
The Diplomat.com
The Diplomat.com
The Hill
The Long War Journal
The National (UAE)
Time
Times of Israel
Today's Zaman (Turkey)
Today's Zaman (Turkey)
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/17/international/middleeast/17diplo.html?_r=0
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/28/world/middleeast/28syria.html?_r=0
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/14/world/middleeast/us-scrambling-to-avert-palestinian-vote-at-un.html?pagewanted=all
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/20/world/middleeast/saudi-arabia-vows-to-back-egypts-rulers.html?pagewanted=all
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/24/world/middleeast/diplomatic-ties-fraying-between-egypt-and-turkey.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/27/world/middleeast/obama-seeks-500-million-to-train-and-equip-syrian-opposition.html?ref=w
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/05/world/middleeast/gaza-is-straining-us-ties-to-israel.html?_r=0
http://www.newsweek.com/germany-spied-turkey-eavesdropped-top-us-diplomats-media-reports-say-265213
http://www.presstv.com/detail/2014/07/21/372184/hezbollah-stands-by-palestine-nasrallah/
http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/09/03/india-qaeda-idINKBN0GY2H420140903
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/22/us-eu-hezbollah-idUSBRE96K0DA20130722
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/07/us-saudi-security-idUSBREA260SM20140307
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/04/26/us-palestinian-abbas-talks-idUSBREA3P08820140426
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/06/26/us-lebanon-bombing-idUSKBN0F10LT20140626
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/07/06/us-egypt-sisi-kurds-idUSKBN0FB0UY20140706
http://www.sipri.org/databases/embargoes/eu_arms_embargoes/syria_LAS/eu-embargo-on-Syria
http://strategiskanalyse.no/Publikasjoner%202014/2014-02-27_SISA16_Sino-Pak_QS.pdf
http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_world_/2014/07/17/the_middle_east_friendship_chart.html
http://tehrantimes.com/economy-and-business/117115-german-businesses-should-seize-lucrative-opportunities-in-iran-numov-c
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/10895026/How-al-Qaeda-regained-its-strength-in-Iraq.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/palestinianauthority/10091629/Iran-cuts-Hamas-funding-over-Syria.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/wikileaks/8182847/Wikileaks-Saudis-chief-funders-of-al-Qaeda.html
http://thediplomat.com/2013/01/asia-is-purchasing-nearly-all-of-irans-oil/
http://thediplomat.com/2013/10/indian-pm-signs-border-defense-agreement-with-china/http://www.ciis.org.cn/english/2013-08/23
http://thediplomat.com/2014/05/iran-turkey-and-chinas-middle-eastern-pivot/
http://thediplomat.com/2014/06/chinas-deafening-silence-on-iraq/
http://thediplomat.com/2014/06/why-is-china-interested-in-a-volatile-yemen/
http://thediplomat.com/2014/08/can-china-stomach-an-independent-kurdistan/
http://thehill.com/policy/defense/212024-hagel-us-knows-iran-russia-aiding-iraq-in-fight-against-isis
http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2009/08/hamas_and_al_qaeda_l.php
http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/comment/iran-and-saudi-arabia-test-the-limits-of-their-new-found-rapprochem
http://world.time.com/2012/11/14/france-recognizes-syrias-opposition-will-the-west-follow-suit/
http://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-jordan-sign-500-million-natural-gas-deal/
http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_turkey-blames-iraqi-govt-for-mosul-hostage-crisis_350385.html
http://www.todayszaman.com/news-340113-envoy-turkey-to-send-5-million-to-palestinian-authority-next-week.html
Turkish Weekly
UK government
US Congressional Research Service
US Department of State
US Department of State
US News and World Report
Voice of America
Wall Street Journal
Wall Street Journal
Wall Street Journal
Wall Street Journal
Wall Street Journal
Wall Street Journal
Wall Street Journal
Washington Post
Washington Post
Washington Post
Washington Post
Washington Post
Washington Post
Washington Post
Washington Post
Washington Post
Washington Post
Washington Post
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/148218/french-foreign-policy-toward-syria-from-friendship-to-hostility.html
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/324603/20140627-List_of_Proscribed_organisatio
http://fas.org/sgp/crs/mideast/RL33003.pdf
http://www.state.gov/j/ct/rls/other/des/123085.htm
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3580.htm
http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2014/06/11/why-is-jabhat-al-nusra-no-longer-useful-to-turkey
http://www.voanews.com/content/turkey-iraqi-kurdistan-seal-50-year-energy-deal/1930721.html
http://online.wsj.com/articles/abandoning-the-kurds-1407196106
http://online.wsj.com/articles/iran-now-flying-spy-drones-over-iraq-u-s-says-1403707333
http://online.wsj.com/articles/iran-now-flying-spy-drones-over-iraq-u-s-says-1403707333
http://online.wsj.com/articles/u-s-signals-1403137521
http://online.wsj.com/articles/u-s-taliban-prisoner-exchange-revives-hopes-for-afghan-peace-talks-1401573782
http://apps.washingtonpost.com/g/page/world/map-how-isis-is-carving-out-a-new-country/1095/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/monkey-cage/wp/2014/03/20/saudi-arabias-muslim-brotherhood-predicament/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-partisan/post/al-qaeda-affiliate-playing-larger-role-in-syria-rebellion/2012/11/30/203d
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2014/07/20/feinstein-u-s-russia-relationship-is-at-cold-war-levels/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/al-qaeda-disavows-any-ties-with-radical-islamist-isis-group-in-syria-iraq/2014
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/iran-al-qaeda-relationship-is-showing-cracks-us-officials-and-analysts-sa
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/iraq-siding-with-iran-sends-lifeline-to-assad/2011/10/06/gIQAFEAIWL_st
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/islamic-charity-officials-gave-millions-to-al-qaeda-us-says/2013/12/22/e0
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/kuwait-top-ally-on-syria-is-also-the-leading-funder-of-extremist-rebels/20
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/syrian-aircraft-bomb-sunni-militant-targets-inside-iraq/2014/06/24/2ea61b
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/15/AR2007061500292_pf.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:European_Union_designated_terrorist_organizations
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China%E2%80%93Turkey_relations
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Germany
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hezbollah
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hezbollah#Conflict_with_Israel
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India%E2%80%93Pakistan_relations
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iranian_support_for_Syria_in_the_Syrian_Civil_War
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurds_in_Iraq
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebanon#Withdrawal_and_aftermath
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Palestinian_rocket_attacks_on_Israel,_2014
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_of_Palestine
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syrian_Civil_War
Xinhua
Yahoo news
Yahoo news
Yahoo news
Yemen Web
Ynet News (Israel)
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2014-07/23/c_133505809.htm
http://news.yahoo.com/hezbollah-chief-says-group-fighting-syria-162721809.html
http://news.yahoo.com/hezbollah-chief-says-group-fighting-syria-162721809.html
http://news.yahoo.com/turkish-drivers-held-iraq-released-113026610.html
http://www.yemenweb.com/visa.htm
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4403706,00.html
date
15th Sep 2014
15th Sep 2014
17th Sep 2014
17th Sep 2014
26th Sep 2014
26th Sep 2014

26th Sep 2014
1 Oct 2014
2 Oct 2014
2 Oct 2014
2 Oct 2014
2 Oct 2014
17 Oct 2014
17 Oct 2014
17 Oct 2014
17 Oct 2014
17 Oct 2014
17 Oct 2014
17 Oct 2014
17 Oct 2014
17 Oct 2014
change
Qatar' - "muslim brotherhood" relationship changed to "strained" after
Qatar asked several members of the brotherhood to leave the country
Russia - Iraq = friendly now Russia is supplying arms to Iraq to fight
Islamic state (ISIS)
Added France-Lebanon relations. Friendly.
source
Guardian
source link
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/13/qatar-senior-muslim-brotherhood-leaders-leave-country-mor
The Hill
http://thehill.com/policy/defense/212024-hagel-us-knows-iran-russia-aiding-iraq-in-fight-against-isis
CNN, BBC
Added US-Russia relations. Strained.

Changed Qatar - Al Qaeda from "allies" to "friendly" - due to Qatari
individuals funding Al Qaeda - difficult category for the interactive to
render
Upgraded EU relationship with Israel as "allies"
Lebanon-Iran now "strained" from "allies" due to complexity of situation
and relationship of both with Hezbollah
Added UK-Germany (allies)
Israel-Gaza text revised to include Aug 2014 ceasefire and correct
previously one-sided comment on Palestinian rockets.
Added link for EU-Syrian rebels (friendly)
Added link for Jordan - Syrian rebels (friendly)
Added text for US-Jordan
Washington Post
Washington Post
http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/01/25/lebanon.donors/index.html?section=cnn_latest
http://news.bbc.co.
uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/613145
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2014/07/20/feinstein-u-s-russia-relationship-is-at-cold
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/islamic-charity-officials-gave-millions-to-al-qaeda-us-
European Commission
http://eeas.europa.eu/israel/index_en.htm
FT
BBC
http://blogs.ft.com/the-world/2014/06/germany-cools-towards-us-and-uk/
New York Times

Reuters
Reuters
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/20/world/middleeast/islamists-reject-new-syrian-opposition-coalition.html?_
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/07/12/us-usa-syria-jordan-idUSKBN0FH0EI20140712
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/07/12/us-usa-syria-jordan-idUSKBN0FH0EI20140712
UK-Iran revised from 'enemies' to 'strained' - two leaders recently met. Guardian
Qatar-Muslim Brotherhood changed to 'friendly' to reflect close
The National
historical relationship despite Qatar recently exiling several MB
members.
Saudi-Muslim Brotherhood changed to 'enemies'
New Republic
Turkey-ISIS - text amended to reflect that Turkey has been accused of

supporting the jihadist group
Revised Turkey-Iraqi Kurdistan to 'enemies'
Added Bahrain-Saudi Arabia (allies)
Revised Jordan-Syrian rebels to 'strained' to reflect Jordanian
minister's comment that Jordan was not interested in training Syrian
opposition forces on its territory and that its public policy has always
been not to interfere in Syrian affairs.
Jordan-Syria - text amended to reflect Syria and Jordan were strong
trading partners prior to the Syrian war.
Jordan-Gaza Strip amended to strained to reflect relationship with
Hamas
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/24/leaders-uk-iran-cameron-rouhani-meet-un-new-york
http://www.theguardian.com/polit
http://www.thenational.ae/world/qatar/inside-doha-at-the-heart-of-a-gcc-dispute
Al-Monitor, Jerusalem Post
http://www.newrepublic.com/article/114468/why-saudi-arabia-helping-crush-muslim-brotherhood
http://www.
israelnationalnews.
com/Articles/Article.
aspx/14994
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/08/syria-kurd-pyd-asayish-isis-turkey-islamic-state.html
http://www.jpost.com/Middle-Eas
BBC, Jamestown Foundation

Al Jazeera, FT
Al-Monitor
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7260478.stm
http://www.jamestown.org/single/
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2011/08/2011829104128700299.html
http://blogs.ft.com/beyond-brics/2
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/07/jordan-syria-islamic-state-iraq-war-rebels-neutral.html
Stimson
http://www.stimson.org/spotlight/why-syria-may-be-the-catalyst-for-jordans-arab-spring/
Al-Monitor
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/03/jordan-hamas-palestine-relations-amman.html
There are 26 countries or territories in western Asia and

Africa where Arabic is the official or one of the official
languages of the state: Algeria, Bahrain, Chad (with French),
Comoros (with French and Shikomor), Djibouti (with
French), Egypt, Eritrea (with Tigrignan), Iraq (with Kurdish),
Israel (with Hebrew), Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya,
Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, the Palestinian Authority,
Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia (with Somali), Syria, Sudan,
Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Western Sahara, and
Yemen.
http://www.mepc.org/teachmideast

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n.b. 'Syria' refers to

Islamic State (ISIS)

population / GDP ($bn) GDP per

AFGHANISTAN: Turbulent decade has

9,596,961 1,349,585,838$12,610.00 $9,300

EGYPT: Largest Arab country, key player nation

1,001,450 85,294,388 $548.80

4,324,782 503,890,016 $15,970.00 $35,100

GAZA STRIP: Part of the State of

HAMAS: Palestinian Islamic group

JORDAN: Key diplomatic and strategic

Palestinian political party.

GDP = 2009 estimate

Palestinian political party.

n.b. 'Syria' refers to

population / GDP ($bn) GDP per

LEBANON: Complex melting pot of

MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD: Pan Arabic

17,098,242 142,500,482 $2,555.00

2,149,690 26,939,583 $921.70

SYRIA: Increasingly isolated nation after

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Federation of nation

9,826,675 316,668,567 $15,940.00 $50,700

TURKEY: Sunni nation has many cultural

WEST BANK: Region of the State of

forms the bulk of the

E: Egypts military government

Islamic Army in Iraq

Islamic State (ISIS)

E: While nominally on the same

E: Al Qaeda leader Ayman al

S - Iran has recently toughened S: There are growing tensions

S: The world's two most

E: Formerly allies, but Al-Qaeda

F: Officially at peace the two

F - One of only two Arab states

F - Kuwait was denounced by US

A: Kuwait pledged Egypt $4bn in

F: The then-Afghan president

E - Al-Qaeda leader Ayman alZawahiri recently called

F - US officials have sourced

S: Relations are strained, but

S: Former President Mohamed

F - The two organizations are

E: Whatever other shifts have

E: Former Iraqi Prime Minister

F - Strong support for Hezbollah

F - Arms deals ahoy!

F: Hamas, which maintains

E: In 2012, Hamas cut its ties

E: Although it has no presence

F: The two countries signed a

A - Islamic Jihad is an militant

S: Traditionally rivals, but

A: Iran is often called 'Syria's

E: Although the president of the F

E: The Saudis want to disarm

E: Saudi Arabia has designated

E: Relations between the two

S: Syria has closed its embassy S - Lebanon has taken in close

S: Strong trading partners prior

E: Despite an historically close

S: In 2013 Palestinian President E: Qatar is helping the Syrian