West Asia
Context:
Trump sets off for West Asia to mark ceasefire, push for lasting Gaza peace
Geographical Definition
West Asia is a subregion of Asia located at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and Asia, forming part of the larger Middle East.
It borders:
West: Mediterranean Sea
South: Red Sea and Arabian Sea
North: Black Sea and Caucasus region
East: Caspian Sea and Central Asia
Core Countries of West Asia
West Asia traditionally includes 12 core nations:
Subregion | Countries |
Arabian Peninsula | Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen |
Levant | Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria |
Others | Iran, Cyprus |
Extended Definition (Sometimes Included)
In broader definitions, Anatolia and the Caucasus are also part of West Asia:
Anatolia (Asia Minor): Turkey
Caucasus Region: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia
Other inclusions: Israel (due to cultural and political geography)
The term "Caucasus countries" typically refers to the three republics in the South Caucasus: Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. The larger Caucasus region also includes parts of Russia, Turkey, and Iran.
Political Groupings
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE
Levant States: Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria
Caucasus States: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia
Seas and Key Water Bodies
Mediterranean Sea – to the west
Red Sea – southwest
Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf – southeast
Caspian Sea – northeast
Black Sea – north of Turkey