The Middle East is a vast region that is shared between the continents of Africa and Asia. These countries include Israel, Iran, Syria, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Qatar, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, Yemen, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Cyprus. It is also important to state that Pakistan, Afghanistan, and many other countries that media classifies as the Middle East are not technically The Middle East. Wars in other countries can have large affects on The Middle East but there are misconceptions on what The Middle East really is.

Mainstream media does a good job at depicting the Middle East as a war filled region. The Media promotes ideas that The Middle East is all death, this is just simply not true. Now some of this is true. Parts of The Middle East has been in war for some time, but this is not the majority.

So How Dangerous is it Really?

The United States describes the risk of traveling to a country on a scale of one through four.

One: Exercise Normal Precautions. An example of this would be Canada.

Two: Exercise Increased Precautions. An example of this would be Great Britain.

Three: Reconsider Travel. An example of this would be Turkey.

Four: Do not travel. An example of this would be Syria.

So Where are The Countries in The Middle East on This List

Bahrain, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Cyprus are all countries with a level one rating.

Bahrain: Violent demonstrations may occur randomly on weekends and at night. The United States government advises all citizens to avoid spots where demonstrations are actively in progress. Sharia Law is used for child custody cases. Women traveling alone should maintain vigilance. This is not only true for Women as all travelers should be wary.

Oman: Oman has had various incidents with attacks on United States citizens. There is minimal street crime in Oman. Being LGBTI is illegal in Oman.

United Arab Emirates: The U.S. government advises all travelers in the UAE to exercise the same cautions as they would in any other country and in the United States.

Qatar: Remain vigilant in Qatar when walking the streets. There is a potential for terrorist threats in Qatar. Women in Qatar occasionally receive verbal and physical harassment. Women should avoid wearing athletic clothes while not in public, unless engaged in athletic activities.

Kuwait: There is a potential for terrorist attacks in Kuwait. Kuwait experiences high levels of organized crimes. The United States advises all citizens to avoid Jleeb Ash Shuyoukh, The Kuwait/Iraq Border, and Jahra.

Cyprus: Do not try to cross the UN buffer zone in Cyprus unless crossing at an authorized crossing zone.

Israel, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan all fall under the level two category of exercise increased caution.

Israel: In public areas of Israel there is a high threat of terrorist threats. The United States Government advises all United States citizens to avoid Golan Heights. The United States government also advises its citizens not to venture into Gaza due to it being under control of Hamas.

Saudi Arabia:  The United States Government advises all citizens to watch out for missile attacks. Do not travel within fifty miles of the border of Yemen because of terrorism and violence. If one commits a crime they can expect harsh or capitol punishment. The maximum punishment for a LGBTI participation or propaganda is death.

Egypt: United States citizens should exercise increased caution due to civil unrest and terrorism. Avoid the Sinai area due to increased rates of crime and terrorism.

Jordan: The threat of terrorism by various groups is very high. Jordan also has a high civil unrest rate. United States citizens should avoid the borders of Iraq and Syria.

Turkey and Lebanon fall under the level three category of reconsider travel.

Turkey: Avoid travel to Turkey due to terrorism and arbitrary detention. Do  not visit the provinces of Hatay, Kilis, Gazientep, Sanliurfa, Sirnak, Diyarbakir, Van, Siirt, Mus, Mardin, Batman, Bingol, Tunceli, Hakkari, and Bitlis. Female travelers must be aware of high rates of harassment.

Lebanon: Reconsider travelling to Lebanon due to increased levels of terrorism and political unrest. More and more of Lebanon is under increased control  of Hizbollah and other terrorist organizations. Do not travel to any of Lebanon’s borders due to violence.

Iran, Syria, and Iraq fall under the level four category of do not visit.

Iran: Do not travel to Iran due to arbitrary risks of imprisonments of U.S. citizens. Iran has harsh punishments of LGBTI people.

Syria: Syria is in the middle of a civil war. Do not travel to Syria due to Very high chances of kidnappings and Terrorism.

Iraq: Do not travel to Iraq due to Very high chances of kidnappings and Terrorism.

Yemen: Do not travel to Yemen due to Very high chances of kidnappings and Terrorism.

In conclusion:

The Middle East is a safe place to go if you stay in the countries that have received a one or a two rating from the State Department. For all travel there is always a risk, but these places may be more safe than others.