Middle east in world affairs

No unanimity has so far been reached on a definition of the Middle East, and even the name has not been universally ac cepted. Scholars, statesmen, and journalists refer to the area some times as the Near East, sometimes as the Middle East. The Near East is the older term. In addition to southwestern Asia it comprises those areas of southeastern Europe which have in the past been under Turkish control. The term Middle East seems to be of more recent origin and owes its widespread acceptance in modern times to its official use by the British. In this study the modern practice has been followed, with the understanding that the Middle East encompasses all those countries of Asia situated south of the Soviet Union and west of Pakistan, and Egypt on the African continent as well. The Balkans have been excluded. In the few cases in which it was necessary to include Greece and the Aegean, the older term. Near East, has been employed.

The Middle East has a unique geographical position. It is an area situated at the junction of Europe, Asia, and Africa, and as such it commands the strategic approaches to these three continents. One is tempted to call it the hub of the Eastern Hemisphere. The shortest and most convenient air and water routes from Europe to Asia go through the Middle East. Every major empire in the history of the Old World has either been included in this area, in whole or in part, or has cast covetous eyes at it. At present the Middle East is located astride the imperial life line of the British Commonwealth; hence whatever happens to the area is bound to have an effect on the destiny of Britain.