Currently, there is an immense controversy as to if we (being the United States) should send more troops and increase government funding for the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. I personally am torn on this issue as no one has really succeeded in a war in the Middle East- at least not for several hundred years! For more information on government funding for the war, progress to this site, which provides current information and monetary figures for new government funding of the war.
The Region and Geography
The Middle East's location is between Europe and Asia, and is above Africa. Technically, the Middle East consists of sixteen alternate countries: Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the West Bank/ Gaza Strip, and Yemen. (Those links provide more information about these countries and locations.)
Brief History
Over the numerous years, the Middle East has probably been the most battle-experienced area in the world, and there are reasons for this:
1. The Cradle of All Civilization
2. The Holy Land
3. Oil
The Beginning
The Middle East's history begins with the mention of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in the Bible, which indicate the approximate location of the beginning of civilization. From there, we progress to approximately the fifth to third millennia prior to the birth of Christ, to a civilization referred to as Sumer. (These links provide more information and locations.)
Sumer, Babylon, and Assyria
Sumer was one of the first great recognizable civilizations, and is famous for its numerous dynasties. The Sumerian civilization influenced numerous others, including the Ba
bylonians. The Babylonian civilization was one of the first to develop public social regulations, which were inscribed onto immense pillars in city centers. Babylon was also mentioned in the Bible, for they conquered the Israelite people in the Babylonian Exile. Another ancient Mesopotamian civilization from around this time period is Assyria. Assyria was a particularly war-oriented civilization, and is credited with the invention of iron weapons. From Assyria, we move to a more renowned culture, the ancient Egyptians.
Egypt and the Israelites
The Egyptian civilization thrived for numerous years and dynasties, and is credited with the invention of papyrus paper, which was created from the papyrus tree. Egypt is also mentioned throughout the Bible, but is most notable for the stories of Joseph and Moses. We must also recognize that the ancient Hebrews, or Israelites were descended from the Semites, a group of Middle Eastern nomadic people. Throughout history, numerous civilizations have conquered the Israelites in the Middle East, several of which include the Romans, the Greeks/Alexander the Great, Babylon, Assyria, and the Persians. Finally, we arrive at the Birth of Christ, during which much of the Middle East was conquered by the Romans.
After Christ
Into more modern times, the history of the Middle East seems to contain nothing except war and government instability. Conquerors of this period include the Byzantines, the Arabs, the English during the Crusades, and the Ottomans. As we all are aware, the current situation of the Middle East is terrible, with wars and corrupt government. (More Informational links.)
Interesting Fact:
The Ancient Mesopotamians are credited for developing the wheel, and one of the first written alphabets.
For a list of Middle Eastern conflicts, click this link. Its astounding!
The Region and Geography
The Middle East's location is between Europe and Asia, and is above Africa. Technically, the Middle East consists of sixteen alternate countries: Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the West Bank/ Gaza Strip, and Yemen. (Those links provide more information about these countries and locations.)
Brief History
Over the numerous years, the Middle East has probably been the most battle-experienced area in the world, and there are reasons for this:
1. The Cradle of All Civilization
2. The Holy Land
3. Oil
The Beginning
The Middle East's history begins with the mention of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in the Bible, which indicate the approximate location of the beginning of civilization. From there, we progress to approximately the fifth to third millennia prior to the birth of Christ, to a civilization referred to as Sumer. (These links provide more information and locations.)
Sumer, Babylon, and Assyria
Sumer was one of the first great recognizable civilizations, and is famous for its numerous dynasties. The Sumerian civilization influenced numerous others, including the Ba
bylonians. The Babylonian civilization was one of the first to develop public social regulations, which were inscribed onto immense pillars in city centers. Babylon was also mentioned in the Bible, for they conquered the Israelite people in the Babylonian Exile. Another ancient Mesopotamian civilization from around this time period is Assyria. Assyria was a particularly war-oriented civilization, and is credited with the invention of iron weapons. From Assyria, we move to a more renowned culture, the ancient Egyptians.Egypt and the Israelites
The Egyptian civilization thrived for numerous years and dynasties, and is credited with the invention of papyrus paper, which was created from the papyrus tree. Egypt is also mentioned throughout the Bible, but is most notable for the stories of Joseph and Moses. We must also recognize that the ancient Hebrews, or Israelites were descended from the Semites, a group of Middle Eastern nomadic people. Throughout history, numerous civilizations have conquered the Israelites in the Middle East, several of which include the Romans, the Greeks/Alexander the Great, Babylon, Assyria, and the Persians. Finally, we arrive at the Birth of Christ, during which much of the Middle East was conquered by the Romans.
After Christ
Into more modern times, the history of the Middle East seems to contain nothing except war and government instability. Conquerors of this period include the Byzantines, the Arabs, the English during the Crusades, and the Ottomans. As we all are aware, the current situation of the Middle East is terrible, with wars and corrupt government. (More Informational links.)
Interesting Fact:
The Ancient Mesopotamians are credited for developing the wheel, and one of the first written alphabets.
For a list of Middle Eastern conflicts, click this link. Its astounding!
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