A strange historical significance seems to surround the Middle East. It has served as the birth place for many cultures and religions. Its Fertile Crescent contained one of the earliest culture hearths where civilization developed. In this area great kingdoms of the ancient world, such as Babylon and Persia, arose to shape history. Judaism had its roots in the Middle East, and Israel--the country of God's chosen people--was formed here. Later two of the largest and most historically important religions on earth--Christianity and Islam--also emerged and spread from the Middle East. As they…
