The Middle East is comprised of many small countries, each with its own government. Volatile issues of religious extremism, the supply and demand of oil, and the establishment of the nation of Israel in 1948 have caused constant conflict. Several prominent leaders have arisen in the Middle East and have worked toward peace in this region, while others have been instigators of violence throughout the world.
The Middle East is a place of conflict based on the controversial nation of Israel, religious extremism, and the Middle Eastern oil supply. The Middle East produces 65% of the world’s oil. Oil has been responsible for many interactions between industrialized countries and the Middle East. Many times, those interactions have led to conflict. Its history and culture provide insight and understanding to world events taking place there.
On November 4, 2008, Americans elected their 44th president named Barack Obama. He was the first African American to be elected president of the United States. This represented a significant change in America. He lives in the White House with his wife Michelle and daughters Malia and Sasha and their dog Bo. President Obama has a unique life story. Obama's experience as a multi-racial American helps him relate to many people. Obama worked hard in school to get a good education. He became a community organizer, a lawyer, a university professor, and a senator before being elected as president. When Obama became president, there were many challenges in America. The economy was in a crisis and the nation was in the middle of two wars. President Obama is currently working hard to unite Americans to find solutions to these challenges.
