The U.S. and the Middle East: 1914 to 9/11

Gain perspective and understanding on a troubled region with this course that provides a narrative history and analysis of U.S. political involvement in the Middle East.

Overview Course No. 8593

At the dawn of World War I, the United States was seen as a benign rising power in the Middle East. By September 11, 2001, the perception had drastically changed. This course explores how this transformation occurred through 24 lectures, offering insights into the complex factors that shaped U.S.-Middle Eastern relations.

Video Lectures

01: A Meeting of Two Worlds

Introduction to themes of increasing American power and mutual antagonism, setting the stage for World War I.

• Duration: 34 min

02: Wilson & the Breakup of the Ottoman Empire

Explore how Wilson’s view of national self-determination influenced postwar Middle East settlements.

• Duration: 32 min

03: The Interwar Period

Analyze American interests shifting towards Saudi Arabian oil and active American Zionism.

• Duration: 30 min

04: U.S. & the Middle East During World War II

Understand how WWII altered American perceptions of the Middle East’s geopolitical significance.

• Duration: 29 min

05: Origins of the Cold War in the Middle East

Examine Cold War crises that led to the Truman Doctrine and U.S.-Saudi relations.

• Duration: 29 min

06: Truman & the Creation of Israel

Look at the consequences of Truman’s support for Israel and its impact on U.S.-Arab relations.

• Duration: 30 min

07: Eisenhower, the Cold War & the Middle East

Assess Eisenhower’s responses to Middle Eastern nationalism, including the Mossadeq overthrow.

• Duration: 31 min

08: The Suez Crisis & Arab Nationalism

Investigate the Suez Crisis and how the U.S. became the leading Western power in the Middle East.

• Duration: 30 min

09: Kennedy-Engaging Middle Eastern Nationalism

Study Kennedy’s policy shift and its initial success followed by challenges for his successor.

• Duration: 32 min

10: Johnson-Taking Sides

See how Johnson openly sided in Middle Eastern policy areas, forsaking Kennedy’s balancing act.

• Duration: 31 min

11: The Six-Day War

Dive into the 1967 war and its profound effects on the Middle East’s political landscape.

• Duration: 32 min

12: The Nixon Doctrine & the Middle East

Understand Nixon’s regional strategy and Israel’s rising role as an American ally.

• Duration: 32 min

13: The Yom Kippur War & Kissinger’s Diplomacy

Analyze Kissinger’s diplomatic strategies during and after the 1973 war.

• Duration: 31 min

14: Carter & Camp David

Examine Carter’s role in the Camp David Accords and its divergent interpretations.

• Duration: 32 min

15: The Iranian Revolution & the Hostage Crisis

Learn about the revolution against the U.S.-backed shah and the prolonged hostage crisis.

• Duration: 28 min

16: Era of Limits-Energy Crises of the 1970s

Examine the oil shocks of the 1970s and their impact on both the West and oil-producing nations.

• Duration: 31 min

17: The Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan

Explore the effects of the Soviet invasion on U.S. policy and bin Laden’s rise.

• Duration: 31 min

18: Reagan & the Middle East

Review Reagan’s policies against militant Islam, including key events like the Beirut barracks bombing.

• Duration: 32 min

19: The First Palestinian Intifada

Detail the American response to the Palestinian uprising and its role in peace processes.

• Duration: 30 min

20: The Gulf War

Analyze the implications of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and Operation Desert Storm.

• Duration: 31 min

21: The Rise & Fall of the Oslo Peace Process

Examine the Israeli-PLO talks and reasons behind the failure of the Oslo Accords.

• Duration: 32 min

22: The United States & the Kurds

Trace the history of U.S. relations with the Kurds and their impact on regional involvement.

• Duration: 31 min

23: The United States & Osama bin Laden

Follow bin Laden’s ascent and the U.S.’s response leading up to 9/11.

• Duration: 31 min

24: September 11 & Its Aftermath

Conclude with the events of 9/11, their aftermath, and the future direction of U.S. policy.

• Duration: 31 min