Question

why is the suez canal so important to international shipping?
it connects the jordan river to the persian gulf, making it cheaper to ship oil to other parts of southwest asia.
it makes it possible to get from the mediterranean to the red sea without sailing around africa.
it allows ships to get out of the persian gulf.
it is iraq’s only waterway to the persian gulf.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• The first option is incorrect as the Suez Canal does not connect the Jordan River to the Persian Gulf.
• The second option is correct. The Suez Canal connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, allowing ships to travel between Europe and Asia without having to sail around the southern tip of Africa (Cape of Good Hope), which significantly shortens the voyage distance and time, making it crucial for international shipping.
• The third option is incorrect because the Suez Canal is not related to ships getting out of the Persian Gulf in that way.
• The fourth option is incorrect as the Suez Canal is not in Iraq; it is located in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean and Red Seas.

Answer:

B. It makes it possible to get from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea without sailing around Africa.