Students will have a better understanding of the issues involved in the Middle East peace process if they can visualize the borders and features of the Middle East. In order to achieve this, have students complete an outline map of the region in its current form. Students should label Israel, its neighbors, key cities, and physical features. One starting point on the Web can be found here . Review the map s elements by displaying an overhead version of the map and discussing the strategic importance of such places as the Golan Heights, the Israeli security zone in southern Lebanon, and the water resources of the Jordan River and Sea of Galilee.
Student groups can present their maps to the class once they have been completed.
As an extension of this activity, assign specific time periods to cooperative groups and have them develop maps that show which nation or group controlled the territories of Israel or the Middle East through history. Events such as wars and conflicts can also be shown on the map. For a wide-ranging list of maps of the Middle East, visit the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Texas. For an excellent detailed map of Israel and the occupied territories, use your Web browser to view this image . The U.S. News article on the Shepherdstown peace talks describes four major areas of negotiation between Syria and Israel.