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Empire
38. Sykes-Picot: Carving up the Middle-East
Mar 14, 2023
James Barr, historic agreement expert, joins William and Anita to discuss the Sykes-Picot agreement, its impact on the Middle East, personalities involved, French influence, betrayal of the Sharif of Mecca, and repercussions of the partitioning process.
01:02:13
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Quick takeaways
- The Sykes-Picot Agreement was a secret deal between British and French diplomats in 1916, dividing the Middle East into spheres of influence and creating borders that still impact the region today.
- The agreement symbolized imperial interference and betrayal, disregarding self-determination and national aspirations, leading to conflicts and tensions as it ignored religious, ethnic, and tribal complexities.
Deep dives
The Sykes-Pico Agreement and the Stakes Involved
The Sykes-Pico Agreement was a secret deal made between British diplomat Mark Sykes and French diplomat Francois Georges-Pico in 1916. The agreement aimed to divide the Middle East into spheres of influence between the British and the French in the event of the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. The main areas of contention were Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon. The agreement created borders that still exist in the region today. The Russians were also involved in negotiations, with the British needing their approval for the agreement. However, the agreement was leaked after the Russian Revolution, causing controversy and outrage. The legacy of the Sykes-Pico Agreement continues to be felt in the Middle East, with many viewing it as a symbol of imperial interference and the division of Arab lands.
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