How the secretive Sykes-Picot Agreement led to the current conflict in the Middle East

The historical context of the Sykes-Picot Agreement emerged from the geopolitical dynamics of the early 20th century, particularly the events of World War I and the decline of the Ottoman Empire.

In the years leading up to the war, which began in 1914, the Ottoman Empire was experiencing a gradual weakening of its power and territorial control.

This decline presented an opportunity for European powers, notably Britain and France, to extend their influence in the Middle East.

The outbreak of World War I saw the Ottoman Empire aligning itself with the Central Powers, comprising Germany and Austria-Hungary, which put it at odds with the Allied Powers, including Britain, France, and Russia.

The war was not just a European conflict but a global one, with battles and strategic interests spanning various continents, including the Middle East.

The Ottoman Empire's strategic location and its control over key territories, including the Dardanelles Strait, crucial for access to the Russian Empire, made it a significant player in the war.

As the war progressed, the Allied Powers began to plan for a post-war world, especially regarding the disintegration of the Ottoman Empire.

In 1915 and 1916, Britain and France, with Russia's initial involvement, engaged in secret negotiations to determine the fate of the Ottoman territories.

The most prominent figures were Sir Mark Sykes and François Georges-Picot, representing Britain and France respectively.

Sir Mark Sykes, a British diplomat and politician, brought to the table his expertise on Middle Eastern affairs, fueled by his travels and studies in the region.

His French counterpart, François Georges-Picot, was a seasoned diplomat with strong convictions about French imperial interests, particularly in Lebanon and Syria.

On the British side, Sir Edward Grey, the Foreign Secretary, also played a crucial role in shaping Britain's foreign policy during World War I, including its approach towards the Ottoman Empire's territories.

The French diplomatic stance was heavily influenced by their Foreign Minister, Théophile Delcassé, and later, Aristide Briand.

Their vision for France's role in the post-war world significantly impacted the negotiations leading to the Sykes-Picot Agreement.

The Russian involvement, although lesser-known, was also a critical factor. Sergey Sazonov, the Russian Foreign Minister, initially participated in the negotiations, ensuring Russian interests were represented, particularly in the Armenian and Kurdish areas.

The Sykes-Picot Agreement, signed in 1916, outlined a detailed plan for the division of the Ottoman Empire's territories in the Middle East between Britain and France after World War I.

The agreement proposed to split these vast lands into several zones of influence and control.

Under the terms of the agreement, Britain was to have control over areas now known as Jordan, southern Iraq, and a small area around the ports of Haifa and Acre to allow access to the Mediterranean.

France was allocated control over southeastern Turkey, northern Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.

The agreement designated an “A” and “B” zone, where France would have direct control over the “A” zone (northern area) and Britain over the “B” zone (southern area).

A significant portion of the agreement was the provision for an international administration in the region of Palestine, which was of interest due to its religious significance and strategic location.

This arrangement was intended to accommodate international interests and the diverse religious communities in the area.

Additionally, the agreement allowed for Russia to exert influence in the Armenian and Kurdish areas in the north.

However, following the Russian Revolution in 1917 and Russia's subsequent exit from World War I, Russian claims were not realized in the final disposition of the Ottoman territories.

The Sykes-Picot Agreement also envisaged the creation of an independent Arab state or confederation of states, covering what are now parts of Syria and Iraq.

However, this provision was vague and subject to interpretation, and it was overshadowed by the direct control proposed for Britain and France over other parts of the region.

The agreement was intended to remain confidential, as its contents were in direct conflict with the promises made to Arab leaders about their independence post-war.

The secrecy of the agreement was crucial for maintaining the delicate balance of alliances and for managing the expectations and aspirations of various parties involved in the war.

The secret nature of the Sykes-Picot Agreement was dramatically unraveled in November 1917, following the Russian Revolution.

The Bolsheviks, who seized power in Russia, were opposed to the secretive and imperialistic diplomacy of the Tsarist regime.

In an act of transparency and in an effort to expose the old regime's secret treaties, the Bolshevik government led by Vladimir Lenin publicly disclosed the Sykes-Picot Agreement.

This disclosure was part of a larger release of secret treaties and agreements that had been negotiated by the Allies.

The revelation of the Sykes-Picot Agreement had far-reaching consequences. It caused considerable embarrassment for the British and French governments, undermining their credibility, especially in the eyes of the Arab world.

The Arab leaders felt betrayed as they had been fighting alongside the British against the Ottoman Empire, buoyed by promises of independence and self-rule.

The exposure of the agreement thus deepened the mistrust between the Arab leaders and the Western powers and fueled a sense of betrayal and disillusionment among the Arab populations.

One of the most significant consequences of the Sykes-Picot Agreement was the establishment of artificial borders, creating countries such as Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.

These new states often encompassed diverse ethnic and religious groups, leading to internal tensions and conflicts.

For instance, Iraq, under British influence, amalgamated Sunni, Shia, and Kurdish populations, each with distinct identities and aspirations.

Similarly, in Syria and Lebanon, under French influence, a complex tapestry of religious and ethnic groups was woven together, leading to ongoing struggles for power and representation.

The revelation of the agreement's details, following the Russian Revolution in 1917, also had a profound impact on the relationship between the Arab world and the Western powers.

The sense of betrayal felt by the Arab leaders, who had been promised independence in return for their support against the Ottoman Empire, fueled a deep-seated mistrust and resentment towards the West.

This sentiment contributed to the rise of nationalist movements in the Middle East, seeking to overthrow the colonial structures and achieve true independence.

Moreover, the Sykes-Picot Agreement and the subsequent state formations played a role in shaping the geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East.

Regional rivalries, territorial disputes, and the struggle for resources were, in part, a legacy of the arbitrary borders and power structures established by the agreement.

These factors have been at the heart of numerous conflicts in the region, including the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Lebanese Civil War, and the more recent wars in Iraq and Syria.