The Middle East is a region in search of itself and the outcome of this struggle will profoundly impact America and the world. But what are Middle Easterners searching for and why has that search been mired in conflict and strife in recent times? Most Americans know the Middle East only as a crucible where images of war flash across televisions and cover the front pages of newspapers. Yet, it is much more than the conflict beamed into our homes via satellite television. The Middle East nurtured civilization from its infancy, hosts a rich dichotomy of peoples, traditions, and religions, and once led the world in technological, scientific, and artistic innovation. This book will give students a basic understanding of the Middle East, its history, geography, monotheistic religions, economics, and the challenges it faces. In addition, the author aims to show how the region's history continues to resonate and why America and other countries would want to fight two wars in the region in 1991 and again in 2003. This primer will also help students understand where the Middle East fits into the modern world and how important the region is to world stability and prosperity.Includes a: Middle East timeline, Internet resources, bibliography, glossary. For high school students (ninth-tenth grade) and teachers with an interest in world history.