are the middle east and southwest asia the same place

Apparently so!

http://www.google.com/search?q=map+middle+east&oq=map+middle+east&aqs=chrome..69i57.3277j0j7&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=119&ie=UTF-8

https://www.google.com/search?q=map+southwest+asia&oq=map+southwest+asia&aqs=chrome..69i57.4153j0j7&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=119&ie=UTF-8

Sorry about "gage" above. An admin will delete those posts. Geographically, yes, the Middle East and southwest Asia are the same. Politically, perhaps not. What we call the Middle East refers to Arab nations and Israel, whereas SW Asia encompasses several non-Arab states.

"gage" was definitely crude ... and is now banned.

Thank you, Writeacher. :)

Yes, the terms "Middle East" and "Southwest Asia" generally refer to the same geographical region. However, it is important to note that the use of these terms can vary depending on context and perspective.

To understand this, let's break it down step by step:

1. Geographical Perspective: The term "Middle East" historically referred to the region in Western Asia and North Africa that is primarily southwest of the Caspian Sea and west of Afghanistan. This area includes countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and several others.

2. Political Perspective: In recent years, some scholars and geopolitical analysts have preferred to use the term "Southwest Asia" instead of "Middle East" for the same region. This shift is an attempt to provide a more accurate and politically neutral description of the area by focusing on its geographic location.

3. Cultural Perspective: It is important to note that the culture, language, and religion in the region are diverse, with variations among different countries. However, there are commonalities among the countries in terms of historical, cultural, and political experiences.

In summary, while "Middle East" and "Southwest Asia" are often used interchangeably to describe the same geographical region, the choice of terminology can differ based on different perspectives or contexts.