The Arab world is the gateway to Africa, Asia, and Europe. The earliest civilizations and three major world religions took root there. Today, the Arab world is a region of conflict and change. This program looks at the history of the area including the founding of Islam, the Ottoman empire and its eventual breakup, political conflicts with Jews in Palestine, and the impact of World War II. It also examines geography; the importance of the Arab world's most precious resource, oil; and the founding of Israel and the impact it has had on the Arab world. This timely video brings students up to date on events including the historic peace treaty between Israel and the Palestinians.