Answer to Question 1
Increasing population strains resources and creates additional wastes.
Answer to Question 2
Great Britain gained influence in the region before 1900, initially through the development of the Suez Canal in the late 1800s. It extended influence during this time by establishing a series of protectorates in the regionKuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE and Aden (Southern Yemen). More control was extended after the defeat of the Turks in WWI. The British promised an Arab state following the expulsion of the Turks but instead carved up the territory for direct control (with the French). At this time, the British did grant the Arabian Peninsula to the powerful Saud Royal Family, creating Saudi Arabia. Its influence continued until 1947 when it released the territory of Palestine by UN mandate to become the modern state of Israel.