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Global Significance of the Middle East Comprising of 21 Arab s and one Jewish the Middle East is a region riddled with conflict either because of oil or religion and wars over other rich resources, and land. From a personal point of view based on reading various articles and watching news channels, the significance of the Middle East lies in the fact that there is an abundance of oil there and its road networks are widely used for trade. Notably also, the cuisines of most Middle Eastern states require spices and herbs which then provides a reliable source of market for producers of these.
However, for investments to flourish continually there has to be stability, which has become threatened by the brutal regimes in existence.An economist at the International Energy Association states that an investment worth over $19 trillion in gas and oil is required from now until 2035. This is where the significance of the Middle East arises from as growth in petroleum supply is expected to come from there and North Africa. This is in spite of the fact that oil has been discovered in other countries, for example, Brazil.
Therefore, for this investment to be achieved funds have to be availed and stability in the region needs to be maintained. An example of this is Iraq which is a primary oil producer in the region but has continuously suffered due to instability and targeting of its oil facilities. Another example is Syria, which even though is a small producer, has brought a standstill to foreign investments in the oil sector because of barbaric policies enacted by the government.Historically, the Middle East has been known as the cradle of civilization resulting from discoveries in science and religion and widespread trade activities.
In addition, the region is highly acclimatized for its scholarly efforts though the environment has not been conducive for this to be more far-reaching. Consequently, a majority of citizens from various states within the region go to study abroad. Israel, being a democracy and the only Jewish state, has attracted reinforcement of its territories from the U.S. This is because, since the period of the Cold War, U.S has endeavored to ensure continuity of flow of oil and at an affordable price, but initially, this was possible as oil was replacing coal as a source of energy.
The Middle East is accountable for an approximate of 40% of oil exports in the world this is because, globally, economic growth and progress has been greatly reliant on carbon-based forms of energy particularly crude oil. More so, there are substantial oil reserves in Middle East, and from the past, it has been clear that a supply disruption would result in economic shock waves all over the world. Therefore, it is crucial that friendly relations are maintained, and means of ousting dictatorial regimes are underpinned.
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