`The exact definition of the boundaries of this region depends on the authors who define it, but I agree this concept of a ``greater Middle East`` existed before the Bush administration. The same countries, except Pakistan, are discussed as the region ``North Africa/Southwest Asia`` in Geography: Realms, Regions and Concepts, 8th edition (1997) by H.J. de Blij and Peter O. Muller, a geography textbook for undergraduates in the US.     `