Empire 38. Sykes-Picot: Carving up the Middle-East
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Mar 14, 2023 Join historian James Barr, author of "A Line in the Sand," as he delves into the contentious Sykes-Picot Agreement that shaped the modern Middle East. He explores how greed and arbitrary borders set the stage for ongoing conflicts. Discover the motivations behind this imperial deal, the clash between British and French ambitions, and how past decisions continue to echo through present-day geopolitics. Barr's insights reveal the complex cultural and historical influences that still affect the region today.
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Sykes Family Quirks
- Mark Sykes's father, Sir Tatton Sykes, had unusual interests.
- These included milk pudding, church architecture, and maintaining his body temperature at a constant level.
Sykes's Language Proficiency
- Mark Sykes, despite his claims, wasn't fluent in Arabic or Turkish.
- He presented himself as knowledgeable about the Middle East, contributing to the flawed agreement.
Origins of Sykes-Picot
- The Sykes-Picot Agreement stemmed from the need to appease French suspicions about British intentions during Gallipoli.
- It outlived its original purpose, becoming a point of contention in the region.
