The Middle East is an area in southwest Asia, including the countries of Syria, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and Afghanistan. It serves as a gateway to sub-Saharan Africa, the Far East, India, and southeast Europe. This region is where the three major religions of the world originated: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
The Middle East is also an area embroiled in conflict and turmoil. The area is rich in cultural heritage and has contributed many great ideas to the world’s well of knowledge. But, at the same time, the area is the home of hatred and revenge that has been simmering for centuries.
These resources explore the causes of these conflicts:
Israel and the Palestinians
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/in_depth/middle_east/2001/israel_and_the_palestinians/
The Origin of the Palestine Israel Conflict
http://www.wrmea.com/jews_for_justice/index.html
Zionism
http://encyclopedia.com/articles/14186EarlyYears.html
Mid East Web Gateway
http://www.mideastweb.org/
An Introduction to the Palestinian Question – from a Palestinian Perspective http://www.palestine-info.com/question/introduction.htm
Mr.Dowling's Electronic Passport: Conflicts in
the Middle East
www.mrdowling.com/608conflicts.html
Current Events Resources
Online NewsHour
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/middle_east/conflict/index.html
Current Events Israel and the Palestinians from the BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/in_depth/middle_east/2001/israel_and_the_palestinians/
Collection of Links to News Resources from Various Countries and Perspectives http://slate.msn.com/?id=2058748