Having lived overseas, I’ve learned that my concept and idea of the world was far too simplistic. Perhaps it’s the United State’s separation from so much of the world geographically that made this happen or I just didn’t pay attention.
However, my notions are reinforced as I read news stories about the Middle East and Europe, as I find that so much of the reporting and opinions expressed by American news sources are very much one sided. Every story is usually broken down into two sides with one being portrayed as the villain.
But history is long.
I’ve chalked it up to the United States have a relative short history in the world. As I live in a home that is older than the United States, the thought of how aged the earth is really strikes me. History is long and complicated and much of the Old World has long and lasting scars. Even the current Ukraine unrest is far more complicated than what’s been reported. I’ve talked about the conflict with my Ukrainian friends and I’ve heard the long history and it is far from simple.
That’s why I’ve enjoyed combing over these 40 maps that explain the Middle East. By learning more about the region, it gives you a stronger grasp on who they are as a people, instead of the stereotypical “terrorist” label that so many do — ill intended or not.
I hope you enjoy these maps as much as I did.
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