This deck covers a critical period of conflict in the Middle East, from 1964 to 1973. We will explore the rising tensions that led to the dramatic Six Day War in 1967 and its huge consequences for the region. We will also examine the rise of Palestinian terrorism, including the PFLP hijacks and the Munich Olympics massacre. Finally, we will cover the causes, events, and aftermath of the 1973 Yom Kippur War, a conflict that would change the balance of power in the Middle East forever.

In 1964, Arab leaders met at the Cairo Conference. A key outcome of this conference was the creation of a new organisation intended to represent the Palestinian people and their aim of reclaiming their homeland. This was the Palestine Liberation Organisation, or PLO. Initially, it was controlled by Arab governments, particularly Egypt.

Alongside the PLO, a more radical, independent group called Fatah emerged, led by Yasser Arafat. Fatah believed in direct military action against Israel and began launching raids from bases in Jordan, Lebanon, and especially Syria. This support from Syria for guerrilla attacks significantly raised tensions with Israel.