This guide celebrates the Middle Eastern community. The term "Middle East" is a flexible geographical concept that varies based on the individual and the era. While definitions differ, it generally includes Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Israel/Palestine, the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Iran, Iraq, and the Arabian Peninsula, encompassing Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Also often included are Turkey, Afghanistan, Libya, and Sudan. Cyprus, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco are sometimes also seen as part of the region.
 

As the focal point of the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic faiths; the primary source of petroleum worldwide; and a diverse blend of religious, political, and ethnic groups, the Middle East holds significant sway in global affairs. It has always been an advanced and developed region. It is a cradle of civilizations and a complex, beautiful land home to some of the world's most welcoming people.