The excerpt delineates the rise of extremism in the Middle East, emphasizing the pivotal role of petrodollars, conservative religious influences, and regional conflicts. The quote underscores the financial support for extremist ideologies.
The excerpt highlights the multifaceted factors contributing to the rise of extremism in the Middle East during the 20th century. It underscores the role of petrodollars, conservative religious influences, and regional conflicts in shaping a volatile socio-political landscape.
The quote that best supports the correct answer to Question is D: “There was another sea change: Petrodollars began to pour into those extremists’ pockets.” This quote encapsulates a pivotal aspect of the rise of extremism, emphasizing the financial resources that fueled extremist ideologies. The influx of wealth from oil in the 1970s and 1980s, known as the "petrodollar boom," is identified as a key catalyst, contributing to socio-economic disparities and creating an environment conducive to extremist sentiments.
In the broader context, the passage elaborates on how conservative religious interpretations, represented by entities like the religious police, intensified social controls and fostered discontent. Additionally, it discusses how regional conflicts, particularly the Afghan War, served as a breeding ground for extremism by attracting radicalized individuals.
In summary, the quote highlights the financial aspect of the rise of extremism, showcasing the role of petrodollars in shaping the dangerous cocktail of socio-political unrest in the Middle East.
The question probable may be:
The Rise of Extremism:
The Middle East in the 20th century witnessed a complex interplay of social, political, and economic factors that fueled the rise of extremist ideologies. One of the key catalysts for this phenomenon was the sudden influx of wealth from oil in the 1970s and 1980s. This "petrodollar boom" disproportionately benefited certain segments of society, while exacerbating the already existing socioeconomic disparities. This created fertile ground for resentment and dissatisfaction, particularly among young men who felt disenfranchised and disillusioned by their stagnant lives.
Another contributing factor was the increasing influence of conservative religious interpretations. This manifested in the growing power of religious police forces, who imposed strict social controls and limited personal freedoms. This repressive environment further alienated young people and fostered a sense of rebellion against traditional authority.
Furthermore, regional conflicts like the Afghan War served as a "playground" for extremist groups. The war attracted radicalized individuals from across the globe, providing them with training, weapons, and a sense of purpose. The eventual collapse of the Soviet Union created further power vacuums and instability, allowing these groups to consolidate their power and expand their influence.
These factors, acting in concert, led to a dangerous cocktail of social unrest, political instability, and extremist ideologies. The petrodollars provided the financial resources, the religious conservatism the breeding ground, and the regional conflicts the proving ground for the rise of extremism, leaving a lasting impact on the region's political landscape.
Which quote from the excerpt best supports the correct answer to Question ? a A. “A twenty-two-year-old man was among those fighting for jihad. His name was Osama bin Laden.” b B. “Saudi Arabia’s Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, or ‘the religious police,’ was also given a free hand in society.” c C. “The eighties went by, and the years after that brought the Afghan War and historic events in the Soviet Union.” d D. “There was another sea change: Petrodollars began to pour into those extremists’ pockets.”