EconTalk The Struggle That Shaped the Middle East (with James Barr)
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Feb 24, 2025 Historian James Barr, author of "A Line in the Sand," delves into the dramatic reshaping of the Middle East post-WWI. He discusses the pivotal Sykes-Picot Agreement and its impact on modern borders, highlighting how colonial powers like France and Britain fueled ongoing regional tensions. Barr explores the Arab Revolt's significance, the complexities of Jewish immigration in the 1930s, and the lasting effects of arbitrary borders. His insights reveal how historical conflicts continue to influence today’s political dynamics in the Middle East.
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Ottoman Empire's End
- The Ottoman Empire, which included modern-day Middle Eastern countries, ended after World War I.
- Many countries were already anticipating its fall and considering the implications.
Sykes-Picot Agreement
- The Sykes-Picot Agreement, negotiated by Mark Sykes and Francois-Georges Picot, proposed dividing the Middle East between British and French influence.
- Sykes, an "expert" on the Ottoman Empire, suggested a line from Acre to Kirkuk.
Ottoman Rule
- The Ottoman Empire, lasting 400-500 years, encompassed regions now known as Israel, Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq.
- These areas were nominally ruled by Turkey but with varying effectiveness.
