caliphate – n. the government of a caliph, a Muslim political and religious leader
stake – n. a sharp, pointed stick
octopus – n. a sea creature with eight arms
tentacle – n. one of the long arms that stick out from an octopus
alter – v. to change
formidable – adj. causing fear; creating serious difficulties
confusion – n. the feeling you have when you do not understand what is happening
nebulous – adj. not clear; difficult to understand
achievable – adj. doing something successfully
convenient – adj. letting you do something easily or without trouble
Quran – n. Islam’s holy book