The Middle East Explained In One Chart

[Richard]

Can't tell the players without a program. So...who's in first?

Richard

The Middle East, Explained In One (sort of terrifying) Chart
WaPo, 26 Aug 2013

What could be simpler than the Middle East? A well-known Egyptian blogger who writes under the pseudonym The Big Pharaoh put together this chart laying out the region’s rivalries and alliances. He’s kindly granted me permission to post it, so that Americans might better understand the region. The joke is that it’s not a joke; this is actually pretty accurate.

[Badger52]

USA ---------> MB (Muslim Brotherhood)

Looking from their perspective, makes perfect sense to me.

[PRB]

The lines are too straight...should be curvy, swoopy and round about.

[Stargazer]

I was thinking USA - Israel connection should be dotted (at least from a 'public' perspective).

Is Russia really only directly linked to Assad and hate for Syria rebels? hmmm...

[ghp95134]

No red lines TOWARDS the USA?

[USA]<--------------[Iran; MB; etc.]

I guess it would get too crowded and you'd need a larger chart.

--ghp

[sinjefe]

I think it was meant to be taken tongue in cheek.

[Oldrotorhead]

Where is the box for the 12 Christians left in most of the Muslim countries? Thanks for making this so clear. I have a head ache now and going to take a nap.

[Airbornelawyer]

Based on my observations of Administration policies, I think perhaps most of the lines leading from the US should be recolored to "has no clue".

[mojaveman]

The chart is missing a few red arrows pointed at Israel. At least that's kind of what I picked up on after working in the Middle East recently.

[alelks]

26248

Threads merged

[Sdiver]

Makes perfect sense to me.

[Snaquebite]

The enemy of my enemy is my enemy...Ooops that's not how it goes...'ceptin for The Great O.

[PRB]

I think it was meant to be taken tongue in cheek.

It was