How World War One Changed the Politics of the Middle East

Context of the Middle East Pre-War

• In 1914, the Middle East was largely under the control of the Ottoman Empire.
• The Ottoman Empire covered areas now known as Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Israel, Jordan, and parts of Saudi Arabia.
• The empire had been declining for decades before World War One.

The Ottoman Empire's Alliance

• During World War One, the Ottomans sided with Germany and the Central Powers against Britain, France, and Russia.
• Britain viewed the Ottomans as the weak link among the Central Powers.

Arab Nationalism

• Britain attempted to incite Arab nationalism against the Ottoman Empire following failures in the Gallipoli campaign.
• A deal was struck with Hussein bin Ali, Sharif of Mecca, promising Arab independence post-Ottoman defeat.
• Hussein’s sons, Abdullah and Faisal, led the Northern Army to combat Ottoman forces.

The Sykes-Picot Agreement

• In May 1916, Britain and France secretly decided to divide the Ottoman Empire's territories.
• The agreement gave Britain control over modern-day Iraq and Jordan, and ports in Palestine, while France would control Syria and Lebanon.
• This agreement contradicted Britain's promises to Arab leaders.

The Balfour Declaration

• In November 1917, Britain expressed support for a Jewish homeland in Palestine, contradicting promises made to Arab nationalists.
• The Balfour Declaration was issued by British foreign secretary Arthur Balfour.
• The Bolsheviks' rise to power led to the public revelation of the Sykes-Picot Agreement.

Military Movements and Outcomes

• Despite diplomatic controversies, Britain made significant territorial gains, capturing Jerusalem in December 1917.
• Arab forces under Faisal, along with British support, pushed through Palestine into Syria, capturing Damascus in October 1918.

The End of World War One

• The Ottoman Empire was defeated on October 31, 1918; the war ended the following day.
• Britain and France, as victors, implemented the Sykes-Picot Agreement's terms.
• A mandate system awarded Britain control over Iraq and Palestine, and France control over Syria and Lebanon.

Legacy and Long-term Impact

• The Balfour Declaration was incorporated into the British mandate, facilitating Jewish immigration and eventually leading to the creation of Israel.
• Britain's double-dealing led to long-standing regional conflicts that continue to influence Middle Eastern politics.

These events during and after World War One dramatically reshaped the political landscape of the Middle East, setting the stage for many of the issues that define the region today.