Middle East

  • WWII Ends

    WWII ends, establishing the UN, and subsequently intensifying the discussion of the establishment of a Jewish state.
  • Israel Becomes an Independent Country

    Israel is recognized by the UN as an independent nation. Israel then claims Jersualem its permanent capital, causing disdain among other Middle-Eastern nations.
  • Libya Gains Independence

    Libya gains independence from Italy.
  • Jordanian King Assassinated

    King Abdullah of Jordan is assassinated in Jerusalem by Palestinian nationalists. He would be succeeded by his grandson.
  • Israel and Jordan have Border Battles

  • Egypt Nationalizes the Suez Canal

    After nationalizing the Suez Canal, Egypt is invaded by France, Britain, and Israel for control of the canal. Their attacks would fail.
  • Israel and Jordan Sign a Truce

  • Abdul-Karim Qasim Becomes the Ruler of Iraq

    After overthrowing a pro-Western monarch, Abdul-Karim Qasim, an army officer, becomes the leader of Iraq.
  • Oil is Discovered in Libya

  • Outbreak of the Six-Day War

    After more border clashes, Israeli and Syrian forces clash. Egypt gives Syria military support. Israel attacks Egyptian forces to advance to the Suez Canal. They later capture Golan Heights from Syria. They also seize control of the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
  • Resolution 242

    To maintain peace, Resolution 242 troops are withdrawn from Israeli conquered territories.
  • Qadhafi Coup

    Mu'Ammar Al-Qadhafi leads a military coup to overthrow the Libyan king.
  • East and West Pakistan Break out into Civil War

  • Munich Games

    Palestinian guerillas take 11 Israeli athletes at the Olympics hostage. All 11 are eventually killed a failed rescue attempt.
  • Egypt and Syria Launch Joint Surprise Attacks on Israel

  • Sadat Visits Jerusalem

    The president of Egypt becomes the first Arab head-of-state to visit Israel since its creation.
  • Camp David Accords

    Results in a treaty being signed to give land back to Egypt.
  • Hussein Becomes President

    Saddam Hussein becomes the President of Iraq after his predecessor resigns.
  • Shah of Iran is Exiled

  • Soviets Invade Afghanistan

  • Iraq Goes to War with Iran

    Iraq and Iran go to war after a minor border dispute.
  • Sadat is Assassinated

    Egyptian President, Anwar Sadat is assassinated.
  • Palestine Declaration of Independence is Signed

  • Iraq Invades Kuwait

    Iraq invades Kuwait, saying that this territory was originally their's. A 32-country coalition condemns this attack, including the U.S.
  • Operation Desert Storm is Launched

  • The Oslo II Accords are Signed

  • Al-Qaeda Attacks the U.S.

    Al-Qaeda attacks the U.S., eventually leading an invasion to look for WMDs.
  • Saddam Hussein is Captured and Executed

  • First Iraqi Elections