Oh, it's essential. I mean, you have to - if I'm writing about the Middle East, I have to go there, and if possible, stay long enough to get a real feeling for what's going on.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
I have a background and an understanding of what's happened in the Middle East that a lot of people don't have, because there's been no interest.
I love the Middle East and have been lucky enough to visit a few of the countries like Egypt, Lebanon, Jordon and the U.A.E.
The global importance of the Middle East is that it keeps the Far East and the Near East from encroaching on each other.
I must try desperately to absorb all information I can about the Middle East. I want to excel. I want to speak articulately about the politics of the Middle East and its religion.
If you really wanted to settle down the Middle East, if what you wanted was change in the Middle East, it is perfectly obvious that the first step is resolving the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.
You will not really have durable peace without a proper security structure in the Middle East.
Our safety requires a long-term military presence in the Middle East because that's where the plans to attack us are emanating.
Last year I traveled to the Middle East to visit with troops in Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
The people of the Middle East share the desire for freedom. We have an opportunity - and an obligation - to help them turn this desire into reality.
You don't despair about something like the Middle East, you just do the best you can.