The Sykes-Picot Agreement: Understanding the History of Middle Eastern Borders
The Sykes-Picot Agreement is a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern history that has had far-reaching consequences to this day. The agreement was signed in 1916 between Britain and France, with the aim of carving up the Middle East in the aftermath of World War I. In this article, we`ll explore what the Sykes-Picot Agreement was, what it aimed to achieve, and how it has shaped the modern Middle Eastern borders.
What is the Sykes-Picot Agreement?
The Sykes-Picot Agreement was a secret agreement signed on May 16, 1916, between Britain and France. The agreement was named after its two chief negotiators, Sir Mark Sykes of Britain and François Georges-Picot of France. The agreement was made during World War I when the two powers were allies and sought to divide the Middle Eastern region, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire.
The Sykes-Picot Agreement aimed to divide the Ottoman Empire into spheres of influence between Britain and France. The agreement divided the region into three zones – A, B, and C. France would take control of Zone A, which includes Lebanon and Syria. Zone B would be under British control, which includes present-day Iraq and Jordan, while Zone C was designated as an international zone that includes Palestine.
What was the aim of the Sykes-Picot Agreement?
The Sykes-Picot Agreement aimed to divide the Middle East into British and French spheres of influence and to establish a series of puppet states under their control. The agreement was also aimed at securing access to oil and other resources in the region and preventing the rise of a strong, independent Arab state that could challenge British and French interests in the region.
How did the Sykes-Picot Agreement shape the modern Middle Eastern borders?
The Sykes-Picot Agreement played a significant role in shaping the modern Middle Eastern borders as we know them today. It created artificial borders that failed to take into account the region`s ethnic and religious diversity, which has resulted in ongoing conflicts and tensions in the region.
The agreement`s division of the region between British and French spheres of influence also contributed to the formation of new states and the consolidation of existing ones. Iraq and Jordan were established as British protectorates, while Lebanon and Syria came under French control. The agreement also paved the way for the eventual creation of Israel in 1948, which was primarily supported by Britain.
In conclusion, the Sykes-Picot Agreement was a significant moment in Middle Eastern history that has had far-reaching consequences to this day. The agreement aimed to divide the region into British and French spheres of influence and establish puppet states to serve their interests. The agreement played a pivotal role in shaping the modern Middle Eastern borders and has contributed to ongoing conflicts and tensions in the region. It is a reminder of the complexities of geopolitics and the lasting impact of colonialism and imperialism.