The Middle East is rich in history, natural resources, and religion. With endless deserts, rugged mountains, and river valleys, the region offers unique wildlife and picturesque terrains. Within the Middle East lies the birthplace of major world religions such as Judaism, Christianity and Islam. With its vast oil supply and natural gas reserves fueling its economy, the Middle East is heavily relied upon internationally for its resources. Tourism is also an important factor in the Middle Eastern economy, with top tourist destinations including the Great Pyramids of Giza, Petra, Jerusalem, and Abu Dhabi in the UAE. However, some top tourist attractions have seen a decline in visitor numbers due to ongoing conflicts in different countries.
Just as it has a long history, the Middle East has experienced a long line of conflicts both within and outside the region. Key conflicts occurring in the area include the Israel-Palestinian conflict, Israel's war with the Hamas terrorist group, the ongoing rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia, and various other internal conflicts. Previously, the United States military fought wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The imposing threats of terrorism, drug smuggling, nuclear proliferation, and other factors have impacted the region's relationships both domestically and internationally. Major Middle Eastern leaders include Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
