March Blog: Events in the Middle East
Conflict in the Middle East
The momentous events that have unfolded in the Middle East over the past week will no doubt be a focus for discussion among students. As ever, history is key to understanding the present - in this case the history of the relationships between the US and Iran and between Israel and Iran.
There are several good videos covering this, for example this one by the BBC.
Students doing Core Option B will be able to use their knowledge of the Cold War to help them understand the US' actions against Iran in 1953.
The events discussed in the video are covered also on two good timelines:
U.S. Relations With Iran | Council on Foreign Relations (www.cfr.org)
1953 2026 Onetime allies, the United States and Iran have seen tensions escalate repeatedly in the four decades since the Islamic Revolution.
History of US-Iran relations: From the 1953 regime change to Trump strikes (Al Jazeera)
Iran remains the US's adversary in the Middle East since the 1979 Islamic revolution led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
International Women's Day
8th March is International Women's Day.
This is a great opportunity for organising an assembly/setting up displays on significant women in history. (Please see a previous blog on the DP site for links to important women who have often been overlooked in history).
The story behind International Women's Day and the history of its development over the years is also worth discussing with students.
The theme for 2026 is ‘Give to Gain’.
Give To Gain emphasizes the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organizations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction, it's intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise.
Whether through donations, knowledge, resources, infrastructure, visibility, advocacy, education, training, mentoring, or time, contributing to women's advancement helps create a more supportive and interconnected world.
Revision resources
June exams are fast approaching!
Please remind students that we have revision resources on the site that can help them with revision techniques and with learning content:
Are you teaching IBDP History?
If you are also an IBDP History teacher, you might be interested in our History site for the IBDP. The new 2028 IBDP History programme was published last month and we have already uploaded teacher guidance and a student text book with content, activities, assessment practice for all examination papers. We will continue to add to the student text book with more content over the next few months.