What was the area within the middle east that today is israel, jordan, syria, lebanon, and iraq called?

The area within the Middle East that today is Israel, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq called Mesopotamia - Near East

Explanation:

The Middle East was once called Near East which had the countries of Mesopotamia. Years before Near East was the term used in common. As the proximity of the countries was towards West it was called as Near East. It’s a bridge conjoining Asia, Europe and Africa. Christianity, Judaism, Islam was evolved in this region.

History says that this region was formerly Ottoman, and Persia. The Ottoman empire along with Iran is Middle East. It was also called as the cradle of civilization.  

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to act quickly in times of danger to the united states

because you have to act quickly if you want to live/survive.