The Middle East includes the lands and countries of the diverse peoples who identify as Arabs. The articles in this section provide a brief overview of some of the significant historical achievements and events which have impacted on the region and have characterised some of the modern complexities and challenges faced by the peoples of this region.

Further Reading & Materials

If you are interested in learning more about the Middle East and in particular in the current affairs of the area, the following provide greater details on recent and current events:

• BBC News: Middle East
• The Middle East Online
• A History of the Middle East, Peter Mansfield & Nicolas Pelham, Penguin Books, 2013
• A Brief History of the Middle East, Christopher Catherwood, Robinson Publishing, 2011
• Pain of Gaza exile endures after 43 years, Samah Sabawi, The Age, 8 June 2010
• A New Arab Ideology?: The Rejuvenation of Arab Nationalism, As’ad AbuKhalil, Middle East Journal, Vol. 46, No. 1 Winter 1992