The Middle East was in a state of flux on the eve of World War II. The Ottoman Empire, which had dominated the region for centuries, had collapsed after World War I. In its place, a number of new countries had emerged, including Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Palestine. These countries were all struggling to establish themselves and define their own identities. At the same time, the region was being drawn into the growing conflict between Germany and the Allies. Germany was hoping to win the support of the Muslim world by portraying itself as the defender of Islam against the Christian West. The Allies, for their part, were trying to prevent Germany from gaining control of the region's oil resources. As World War II began, the Middle East was caught in the middle of a great power struggle. The war had a profound impact on the region, and its effects are still being felt today. The conflict led to the establishment of the state of Israel, the displacement of millions of people, and the creation of new political alliances. The legacy of World War II continues to shape the Middle East to this day.