This is the Middle East, the crossroads of three continents, the birthplace of two major religions and one of the most volatile regions in the world. It is also a fascinating place, with wonderful and friendly people (who occasionally hate each other's guts).
The OBC and I have spent a lot of time here, mostly US military bases in Bahrain and Turkey, but we also did some traveling, which is what the following pictures are all about.
Well, the map isn't very clear here, but Bahrain is a small Emirate located on an island in the midst of the Persian Gulf. There is a large US military presence there that occasionally requires my expertise (assisted when necessary by the OBC.)
I know you're just dying to know more about this isolated and seldom-visited paradise, so try these links:
Library of Congress - Country Studies - Bahrain - An exhaustive amount of information here
Bahrain Tourism - Just in case you were planning on visiting on your way to.... India maybe?
Jordan is another country off the beaten track, so to speak. To find out more about it, visit:
Your On-line Guide to Jordan - A good overview of this little-known country
Jordan Today - A monthly on-line magazine about Jordan
Israel is better-known than most Mideast countries (at least to us Americans), but whatever you know about it isn't nearly enough. Try visiting these sites to find out more:
FOCUS on ISRAEL - A pretty good overview (and one of the few general reviews I could find)
Facts About Israel: History - Dating back to Biblical times, from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Syria's not too familiar to most of us, but is still a fascinating place. To learn more, visit:
Syria Online! - A wonderful overview with tons of pictures
A Tour of Syria - Another general link
Turkey is a wonderful vacation spot, as well as a interesting country, so visit these sites to learn more about it:
FOCUS on TURKEY - A good overview
Sadi's Türkiye Home Pages - Not as fancy, but probably has everything you ever wanted to know... and more
All about Turkey - A whole BUNCH of links to find out even more!
Encyclopedia of the Orient - A site that focuses on Arab countries
African and Middle Eastern Reading Room (Library of Congress)
