Research Paper on:
Middle East Development and Colonialism's Influence

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
of the area and the desire of influence by former colonial powers an area with wealth in the form of oil. There has been a situation of open conflict  or uneasy truce for many centuries, dating even to before the colonial times. However, ewe may argue that it was as a result of colonialism and orientalism that the current  environment may be credited. These influences are reflected on the political relations, the formation of the states, the economic development and even the role of nationalism and even individuals ideals  and attitudes. The confrontation between the Middle East and the West may be seen as starting in earnest in the eight century (Smith, 1994). Only a century after the  death of Mohammed there had been many conversions to the Islamic faith spreading from the Middle East out to North Africa and even to Spain. It was only when they  started to enter France that there was effective resistance (Smith, 1994). This began the conflict that very slowly pushed the Muslim empire back to the Middle East and lasted until  the fifteenth century. In 1492, at the same time that America was discovered by Christopher Columbus, the Muslim empire had been removed from the continent of Europe (Smith, 1994). The  political power balance was shifting, the colonial powers were developing in the west and seeking to eradicate the Muslims whilst the Middle East become stronger within the geographical boarders (Smith,  1994). These times are important as it during this time that the stereotypes that still remain were developed. The image of the Middle East Arab being evil, those living in  this region were vilified (Said, 1979). This suited both the church and the political powers of the colonial powers (Said, 1979). This laid the foundations that still remains and can