The Middle East is a region of the world that encompasses countries in Southwest Asia and parts of North Africa. The four countries mentioned in the crossword solutions are IRAN, Iraq, Yemen, and Syria. IRAN is a country located in Western Asia and is bordered by Iraq, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Iraq is a country located in Western Asia and is bordered by Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and IRAN. Yemen is a country located in Western Asia and is bordered by Saudi Arabia and Oman. Syria is a country located in Western Asia and is bordered by Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Israel, and Lebanon.