The Sykes-Picot Agreement

The Sykes-Picot Agreement divided the Middle East into British and French spheres of influence, with areas of direct and indirect control. This division ignored ethnic and religious boundaries, leading to long-term tensions.

• French Mandate: France was given control over modern-day Syria and Lebanon, as well as influence over parts of southeastern Turkey.
• British Mandate: Britain was granted control over modern-day Iraq, Jordan, and Palestine, with additional influence in the Persian Gulf.
• Impact on Arabs: The agreement contradicted earlier promises made to Arab leaders regarding independence, leading to feelings of betrayal and resentment.

The Sykes-Picot Agreement had profound long-term effects on the Middle East, contributing to the creation of artificial borders that have fueled conflicts and tensions throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.

• Artificial Borders: The borders drawn by the agreement often disregarded the ethnic, religious, and tribal realities on the ground, leading to instability.
• Rise of Nationalism: The agreement spurred Arab nationalism and a sense of betrayal, leading to resistance against colonial powers.
• Ongoing Conflicts: Many of the conflicts in the Middle East, including the Arab-Israeli conflict, can be traced back to the divisions imposed by Sykes-Picot.