Table of contents | |
Independence and Decolonization in the Middle East | |
The Development of Arab Nationalism | |
The Emergence of Modern Nation-States | |
The United Arab Emirates |
Historical Background:
World War I and the Seeds of Independence:
Mandates and Nationalism:
Following World War I, Arabs expected the British to grant them independence. Instead, the 1919 agreements between the French and British divided the Middle East between them—Britain controlling Mesopotamia (Iraq), Palestine, and present-day Jordan, while France managed Syria and Lebanon. Only remote desert areas were free from British-French control. These territories were officially designated as mandates under the League of Nations.
Bahrain:
Egypt:
Iran:
Iraq:
Jordan:
Kuwait:
Lebanon:
The Lebanese constitution, crafted by nationalists,recognized the country’s religious diversity. Political power was distributed as follows:
The constitution asserted Lebanon’s independence by revoking any laws that might threaten its autonomy. The French, displeased, arrested the president and suspended the constitution. However, international support from the United States, Britain, and Arab nations forced the French to recognize Lebanon’s sovereignty in December 1943.
In the following decades, Lebanon experienced stability, fostering economic growth and social progress. However, this period of promise was shattered in 1975 by a brutal civil war, Syrian occupation, and ongoing violence until 1991. The civil strife severely damaged the country’s infrastructure, strained Christian-Muslim relations, and led to soaring debt. Despite these challenges, Syria eventually withdrew from Lebanon.
Oman:
Qatar:
Saudi Arabia:
Syria:
Turkey:
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1. What were the main factors that contributed to the rise of Arab nationalism in the 20th century? |
2. How did the process of decolonization unfold in the Middle East? |
3. What are the key features of modern nation-states in the Arab world? |
4. How did the establishment of the United Arab Emirates influence regional politics and economy? |
5. What role did Egypt play in the Arab nationalist movement? |
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