Middle East Travel Guide

overview:

The Middle East traditionally includes countries or regions in Southwest Asia and parts of North Africa. The history of the Middle East dates back to ancient times and it has always been a major center of world affairs. The region generally has an arid and hot climate, with several major rivers providing for irrigation to support agriculture in limited areas. Many countries located around the Persian Gulf have large quantities of crude oil. In modern times, the Middle East remains a strategically, economically, politically, culturally, and religiously sensitive region.

The Middle East was the first center of agriculture and therefore of civilization. It is the birthplace and spiritual center of the Orthodox Christianity, Islam and Judaism. The modern Middle East began after World War I, when the Ottoman Empire was partitioned into a number of separate nations. Other important events included the establishment of Israel in 1948 and the departure of European powers, notably Britain and France. They were supplanted in some part by the rising influence of the United States. In the 20th century, the region's significant stocks of crude oil gave it new strategic and economic importance. Mass production of oil began around 1945, with Saudi Arabia, Iran, Kuwait, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates having large quantities of oil. Estimated oil reserves are some of the highest in the world, and the international oil cartel OPEC is dominated by Middle Eastern countries.

During the Cold War, the Middle East was a theater of ideological struggle between the two superpowers: the United States and the Soviet Union, as they competed to influence regional allies. Within this contextual framework, the United States sought to divert the Arab world from Soviet influence. Throughout the 20th and into the 21st century, the region has experienced both periods of relative peace and tolerance and periods of conflict and war.

related websites:

Acropolis Hotel Lebanon
For business or pleasure, the Acropolis Hotel is conveniently located on Kaslik main road minutes away from the Casino Du Liban, Jeita Grotto and historic landmarks.
http://www.acropolishotel.com

AtlasTours.Net
The best and biggest online tourism guide about Jordan, Holyland, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Sinai (Egypt), with Nice Photo Gallery and Greeting Cards.
http://www.atlastours.net

Discover Israel Travel Hotels & Tourism Guide
Israel leading travel, hotels and tourism guide provides complete tourist information center, official information, Facts about Israel, maps, city guides, museums, educational, special deals on all hotels, tours and car rental in Jerusalem, Tel-Aviv, Haifa, Eilat, Galilee and Dead Sea.
http://www.ddtravel-acc.com

Dubai Polonia
Polish language website about Dubai.
http://www.dubaipolonia.pl