To help students understand the complex forces which shape events related to Iraq and the entire region of the Middle East, they will each become an expert about one nation. Central to this project will be learning about the geography, history, economy and politics of their country. They will also explore their nation's relationship with Iraq.

• Students will learn about one nation in the region in depth.
• Students will develop/refine research and writing skills.
• Students will gain an appreciation of complexities of international relations in Middle East.

1. Each student in the class will be assigned one of the following countries:
   Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Cyprus, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kuwait, Qatar, Yemen, Oman, United Arab Emirates
2. Students will conduct extensive research and produce a written report about their country. Specifics are detailed in the Student Sheet for this activity.
3. Once students have completed their reports, have them present what they learned about their country.
4. After these initial reports, have students share their nation's relationship with Iraq. Ask if they notice any patterns. Has their nation's relationship changed in the wake of Saddam Hussein's removal from power?
5. You may choose to do Middle East Forum Activity as well, a simulation of an international gathering of these nations as they attempt to grapple with regional issues.

Time Allocation: One period to introduce assignment, three to share country information. They will need extensive time out of class for research and writing.

Variation on this Activity:

• Students may work in pairs or in small groups

Special Resources for this Activity

• Use Map of Iraq's Colonial Past (Figure 2D) from Maps In The News: Iraq
• For information about countries, begin with
  • Arab News: www.arab.net
  • BBC News:World: Country Profiles
  • Country Report
        Note: This site requires a username/password; most schools should have an account
  • Information Please
  • Library of Congress
  • The World Factbook

Assessment criteria

• Did student present a coherent and thorough overview of his or her country?
• Did project reflect complexity for forces that have shaped the nation's current conditions?
• Did student accurately portray nation's relation to Iraq?

You will be learning about one of the Middle Eastern countries in great depth. Central to this project is learning about the relationship between the country you are studying and Iraq. You will need to consider the role that your nation plays in the Middle East.

1. You will be assigned a country to study.
2. You will prepare a written report that includes information about your country on the following topics:
   • Physical Geography and Climatic Conditions
   • Brief history including foreign conquest and movement for independence
   • Religious and Ethnic Composition
   • Family Structure
   • Educational System
   • Economy
   • Present Government/Political Situation
   • Relationship to Iraq
3. Your final project should include Bibliographic sources and citations when appropriate.

To help begin your research, you may want to consult one of these websites:

• Arab News: www.arab.net
• BBC News:World: Country Profiles
• Country Report
      Note: This site requires a username/password; most schools should have an account
• Information Please
• Library of Congress
• The World Factbook