Geopolitics play an important role in the middle east today because of its (1) fertile soil and favorable climate for cash crops (2) navigable rivers and diamond mines (3) effective natural barriers and high altitude (4) strategic location and oil resources

Geopolitics play an important role in the Middle East today because of its 4. strategic location and oil resources. There are a large number of oil reserves throughout the region and waterways such as the Persian Gulf and Red Sea serve as the narrow passages through which oil leaving this region must pass. As such, it is important for countries in the region (and those who rely on oil from that region) to maintain oil production and trade.

The nickname would be : " robber bandits" i believe