World War I, also known as the Great War, was a four-year conflict with Europe as the main theater.
Often forgotten is the significant impact on the Middle East and the Arab troops who fought and died.
The outcomes of the war shaped the current Middle East.
Arab Involvement in WWI
Arabs from North Africa were conscripted by British and French colonial powers.
Ottoman Empire allied with Germany, causing Arab troops to fight against fellow Muslims for the Allies.
Decline of Ottoman Empire led to European, Russian, and Arab powers seeking to fill the power vacuum.
The Sykes-Picot Agreement
Secret agreement between Britain and France to divide Ottoman territories, drawing arbitrary borders.
Britain made conflicting promises to different groups: Arabs, Zionists, and their allies.
Palestine was promised to Arabs (Hussein-McMahon Correspondence), internationalized (Sykes-Picot), and to Jews (Balfour Declaration).
British and French Interests
Allies began staking territorial claims as soon as the Ottoman Empire joined the war.
French wanted Southeastern Turkish coast and Greater Syria; Britain wanted Mesopotamia and Arabian Gulf coast.
Arab Revolt
Britain promised Sharif Hussein of Mecca an Arab state in return for leading a revolt against the Ottomans.
The Arab revolt began in June 1916, coordinated by Sharif Hussein’s son Faisal.
Post-War Middle East
After the war, new boundaries and states were created, often ignoring local ethnic, religious, and tribal affiliations.
The Sykes-Picot agreement and similar deals were not fully enacted but influenced the post-war order.
The Balfour Declaration
Balfour Declaration promised a national homeland for Jews in Palestine.
Motivated partly by strategic interests, including influence in the U.S. and Russia.
Mandates and Independence Movements
Post-war, the Middle East was carved into mandates, denying true independence.
Faisal declared an independent Syrian Arab Kingdom but was quickly suppressed by French forces.
Egypt and Iraq experienced uprisings and revolts against foreign control.
Long-term Impact
The division and mandates set by Europeans led to long-lasting conflicts in the region.
The creation of Israel was the only British wartime promise fulfilled, leading to ongoing regional conflict.
Conclusion
The legacy of WWI and the colonial decisions made thereafter have had profound and lasting effects on the Middle East, contributing to ongoing strife and instability.
The repercussions of decisions made during and after the war are still felt today, impacting political and social dynamics in the region.