History of the Modern Middle East / Module 23

The Making of the Post-Cold War Middle East

The post-Cold War Middle East is presented as a period of realignment. The lesson follows changing relationships between the United States, Gulf regimes, and Islamist movements.

Learning objectives

  • Explain how the end of the Cold War changed U.S. relationships with regional actors.
  • Analyze the shifting positions of Saudi and Gulf regimes toward the Muslim Brotherhood.

Transcript excerpt

Excerpt from the lesson transcript

So the Cold War ends, the United States drops these people like a hot potato, especially as they turn against the United States and pro-American regimes. The Saudis and other Gulf regimes turn against the brotherhood. Both branches of the brotherhood, the mainstream and the dissident violent groups.