Middle East vs. Gulf vs. North Africa, Fertile Crescent vs. deserts

Explain how the Greater Middle East/Gulf is shaped by its various regional geographies (Middle East vs. Gulf vs. North Africa, Fertile Crescent vs. deserts) and its geo-economic importance (oil vs. international trade routes or nomadism and agriculture vs. urbanism and industrialization).

The essay should be 500+ words, single-spaced in a 12-point font, and conform to MLA or APA styles, including parenthetical citations and footnoted references. The essay should demonstrate understanding and thoughtful reflection on a topic that speaks to the mission of this course. That is, it should reflect your ability to place the topic into the context of daily life.