While I’m fast becoming an adherent to the abiotic oil theory, it is entirely possible that the Middle East was covered extensively in the past with lush vegetation.
Remember this when Gorebbel’s Warming enthusiasts complain about a warmer climate: in the past, when the earth was warmest, it was also most conducive to life. Plants grew abundantly when the earth was warmer and giant creatures (dinosaurs) thrived. Warmer earth = good for life. History has proven it.
Post-creation/pre-flood earth was very lush indeed.
Sorry that has no logic. It is warm there NOW and plants (except in Israel are not growing. Many other factors are involved