What makes each of the regions in Asia Minor, the Middle East, distinct from the others?

Fundamentally, I would say that one of the major reasons
why the Middle East region is different than all others in the world is because of its
spiritual or religious significance.  The region is the birthplace to three of the
world's most dominant religions.  Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all owe the start of
their narratives to the Holy Land, located in the Middle East.  If one contemplates the
significance of this, it is quite staggering.  Billions of people all over the world,
and even more since recorded time, owe their spiritual allegiance, in great part, to the
areas of the Middle East.  It is for this reason that I would say that it is different
from all other regions in the world.  Convergence of three major religions is what
differentiates this region from all others.  Yet, it might be for this reason that there
is so much turmoil in the region.  Any area that claims the spiritual heritage of three
different religions in the world of such significance is bound to arouse deep seeded
resentment and anger amongst people on religious grounds.  Since the belief in religion
is usually a heartfelt conviction for which people have little problem waging war or
open conflict, this becomes one of the reasons why the region is so turbulent, despite
its powerful claim to transcendence.