**** MIDDLE EAST & LEVANT

The postal history of the Middle East, or Near East as this area is often called, dates back to medieval times, and throughout its history, the Middle East has been a major center of world affairs. The Middle East lies at the juncture of Eurasia and Africa and of the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean. It includes countries like Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Iran, Saudi Arabia and United Emirates, and Yemen.