Yes there were many reasons that the Middle East was chosen as the primary outpost for the current imperial system and the “first strike” by the US in the 21st century. The same article by Amin states that:
The project of the United States, supported to varying degrees by their subaltern allies in Europe and Japan, is to establish military control over the entire planet. With this prospect in mind, the Middle East was chosen as the “first strike” region for four reasons:
(1) it holds the most abundant petroleum resources in the world and its direct control by the armed forces of the United States would give Washington a privileged position, placing its allies—Europe and Japan—and possible rivals (China) in an uncomfortable position of dependence for their energy supplies;
(2) it is located at the crossroads of the Old World and makes it easier to put in place a permanent military threat against China, India, and Russia;
(3) the region is experiencing a moment of weakness and confusion that allows the aggressor to be assured of an easy victory, at least for the moment; and
(4) Israel’s presence in the region, Washington’s unconditional ally
Yes there were many reasons that the Middle East was chosen as the primary outpost for the current imperial system and the “first strike” by the US in the 21st century. The same article by Amin states that:
https://monthlyreview.org/2007/12/01/political-islam-in-the-service-of-imperialism/
The article is from 2007, so a lot has changed since then. But it is still relevant.