Economics

The Middle East has always been at a strategic position in the world in terms of economics. With the relatively new Suez Canal (1869) that allows ship traffic to travel from the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea (without travelling all the way around Africa), its location is just as strategic today as it has been throughout human history. And don't forget about the oil. Oil has brought great wealth to many Middle Eastern countries. Oil has generated great interest in the religious and social affairs of Middle Eastern countries. Western countries such as the United States and much of Europe need oil from the Middle East for transportation and other energy needs.

OPEC -- Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (optional).

Brief History of OPEC (read the first three paragraphs-- required)