only possible to create similar conditions in the Euro-Mediterranean region if an intervention in this area is given national priority. 51. The Euro-Mediterranean region, however, is not a closed system and it is influenced by the dynamics occurring particularly in adjacent areas. . It is not possible to deal with crisis situations developing in areas of direct interest without a broader understanding of their causes. It is fundamental the involvement in initiatives aimed at their resolution. In order to protect national interests and to strengthen the framework of security and defence, areas of particular interest are the Mashriq, the Sahel, the Horn of Africa and the countries of the Persian Gulf: a. The Mashreq The term Mashreq, is understood to be synonymous with “non-Maghreb”, it generally identifies all the Arab countries that lie east of Cairo. It is therefore the eastern macro-region of the Arab Muslim world. Its instability has been increased over the past two decades due to widespread conflict both internally in some countries, and transnationally, due to economic, political, social and religious factors. The possibility that significant phenomena of a terrorist nature could destabilize the regions closest to us, if not even hit national territory, clearly indicates that it is necessary to participate in the international community efforts for better conditions of peace and regional stability in this area, through the wise use of all the tools available and in accordance with the legitimate governments wishes of the nations involved. b. The Sahel The Sahel is a strip of land in sub-Saharan Africa that stretches from the Sahara desert to the north and the savannah of the Sudan to the south, and between the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Red Sea to the east. It is an area of limited economic development with areas of extreme poverty continuously affected by religious and tribal conflicts. In these countries, the lack of state structures able to guarantee internal security leads to the possible causes of instability in the Mediterranean - 29 -