The conflict in the Middle East is based primarily on the assumption that the Arab Moslem countries in the region exist since time began and they therefore have a right to oppose the existence of Israel.

The fact is that virtually all of the Arab Moslem countries came into existence between the 1920's and the 1970's.  For example Syria and Jordan became independent in 1946.  Libya in 1951; while Israel became an independent country in 1948. 

Sovereign Arab Moslem countries in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Persian Gulf did not exist before the First World War - some after World War Two,and others not until the 1960's and 70's. Listed below are some of these countries.

Independence Dates of Arab Moslem Countries as they Emerged in the Twentieth Century to take their Places Among the Nations of the World.(as quoted by CIA files CIA - The World Fact book)

SYRIA

independence: 17 April 1946 - Following the breakup of the Ottoman Empire during World War I, Syria was administered by the French until independence in 1946.

JORDAN

independence: 25 May 1946 - (from League of Nations mandate under British administration)

EGYPT

independence: (partial) 28 February 1922 -  (from UK). Partially independent from the UK in 1922, Egypt acquired full sovereignty following World War II.

LEBANON

independence: 22 November 1943 - (from League of Nations mandate under French administration)

IRAQ

independence: 3 October 1932 - Formerly part of the Ottoman Empire, Iraq attained its independence as a kingdom in.

IRAN 

independence: 1 April 1979 (Islamic Republic of Iran proclaimed)

KUWAIT

independence: 19 June 1961

SAUDI ARABIA

independence: 23 September 1932 (Unification of the Kingdom)

LIBYA

independence: 24 December 1951 (from Italy)

SUDAN

independence: 1 January 1956 (from Egypt and UK)

TUNISIA

independence: 20 March 1956 (from France)

MOROCCO

independence: 2 March 1956  (from France)

QATAR

independence: 3 September 1971 (from UK)

ALGERIA

independence: 5 July 1962 - (from France)

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

independence: 2 December 1971 - (from UK)

YEMEN

independence: 22 May 1990

BAHRAIN

independence: 15 August 1971 (from UK)

ISRAEL (the only non - Arab Moslem State in the Region)

independence: 14 May 1948 (League of Nations mandate under British administration)