News reports on the extreme tension in the region. A recent travel warning issued by the State Department. Your own fears of terrorism. Any of these would be valid reasons to stay away from the Middle East. The aforementioned travel warning, issued this past May, cautioned, �In the past, Americans were the targets of numerous terrorist attacks in Lebanon. The perpetrators of many of these attacks are still present in Lebanon and retain the ability to act.�

Such a statement would be enough to convince the average traveler to forever forget the Middle East as a possible destination. However, I chose to look further into what the culture of this region is like. I have wanted to visit Lebanon ever since I discovered that one side of my family was from that part of the world.

Lebanon is a country similar in size to Israel, which it also borders. As evidenced in recent news reports, the tensions in Israel extend beyond its own borders, often spilling over into Lebanon, making the border regions of both nations incredibly risky to visit. Countless undetonated land mines left over from a civil war further complicate the situation.

Traces of the country�s recent sad history are everywhere - a dilapidated Holiday Inn stands ridden with bullet holes. However, many of the cities, including the capital of Beirut, are increasingly the sites of new construction. Furthermore, the presence of Western culture is undeniably on the rise in Lebanon: downtown Beirut includes a Hard Rock Caf� as well as numerous Starbucks.

So if there is such a strong American influence in the region, why are Americans warned to stay away? The unfortunate truth, as reported by both the media and the government of the United States, is that militant groups such as Hizballah and Asbat al-Ansar actively target US citizens in Lebanon. Even the U.S. Embassy is understaffed when compared to others.

However, for those that have the courage to take a peek into the Middle East, the results are astonishingly rewarding. Let us not forget that civilization, as we know it, began in modern-day Iraq. In fact, all the major cities are significant locations in the history of religion and are also home to important collections of ancient art.

And did I mention the food?

IB student Carolina Cuervo says that, �In the future we really shouldn�t be so scared and take the opportunity to travel wherever and whenever it comes.� I hope that in the future there is no reason to be scared. Beirut used to be called the Paris of the East; perhaps the future will restore this title.

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