I personally believe it's because of all the witchcraft and devil worship there. They're so oppressed by evil spirits that I wonder how any of them survive.
Check out the Book of Daniel, chapter 10...
11
"Daniel, beloved," he said to me, "understand the words which I am speaking to you; stand up, for my mission now is to you." When he said this to me, I stood up trembling.
12
"Fear not, Daniel," he continued; "from the first day you made up your mind to acquire understanding and humble yourself before God, your prayer was heard. Because of it I started out,
13
5 but the prince of the kingdom of Persia stood in my way for twenty-one days, until finally Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me. I left him there with the prince of the kings of Persia,
14
and came to make you understand what shall happen to your people in the days to come; for there is yet a vision concerning those days."
15
While he was speaking thus to me, I fell forward and kept silent.
16
Then something like a man's hand touched my lips; I opened my mouth and said to the one facing me, "My lord, I was seized with pangs at the vision and I was powerless.
17
How can my lord's servant speak with you, my lord? For now no strength or even breath is left in me."
18
The one who looked like a man touched me again and strengthened me, saying,
19
"Fear not, beloved, you are safe; take courage and be strong."
20
When he spoke to me, I grew strong and said, "Speak, my lord, for you have strengthened me." "Do you know," he asked, "why I have come to you? Soon I must fight the prince of Persia again. When I leave, the prince of Greece will come;
21
but I shall tell you what is written in the truthful book. No one supports me against all these except Michael, your prince,
1
1 standing as a reinforcement and a bulwark for me.
There is evidence for sure of evil spirits over the Middle East even in the Bible.