Author: Eman M. Elshaikh
Focuses on the impact of European colonialism and the Cold War in shaping Middle Eastern geopolitics.
Colonial Influence: Middle Eastern leaders aimed to shed European colonialism during the Cold War.
Superpower Rivalry: The Cold War was marked by competition between the US and the USSR, influencing regional politics.
Definitions: The term "Middle East" is a British colonial term, with its origins in the 19th century.
Variability in Borders: Disagreement exists regarding the geographic scope of the Middle East, with different interpretations including regions from Egypt to India.
Misconceptions: Common American associations include conflict, oil, and Islam; however, these misunderstandings overlook the historical context.
Imperial Decline: By 1914, the Ottoman Empire ruled vast territories, but it began to decline, leading to European control over its lands.
Sykes-Picot Agreement: In 1916, Britain and France divided Ottoman lands into spheres of influence through the secret Sykes-Picot Agreement.
Consequences of Division: The arbitrary borders drawn disregarded local ethnic and cultural dynamics, leading to contentious state formations.
Construction: Built in the late 19th century, the Suez Canal significantly reduced maritime travel distance to the Indian Ocean.
Colonial Ownership: Initially built by a private company, British control over the canal followed after Egypt sold shares due to financial troubles.
Suez Crisis (1956): Under Nasser, Egypt nationalized the canal, leading to a military response from Britain, France, and Israel, ultimately requiring US and USSR intervention.
Oil Control: By 1951, Iranian oil was primarily controlled by the British Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, causing nationalist discontent.
Mossadegh's Leadership: Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh nationalized Iranian oil, but the US organized a coup against him, restoring the monarchy under Reza Pahlavi.
New Imperialism: Post-colonial power struggles illustrated how both the US and USSR sought influence in the Middle East, seen as new imperial forces.
Strategic Navigations: Leaders like Nasser and Mossadegh had to maneuver through this new geopolitical landscape, marked by Cold War politics and regional aspirations.
Impact on Modern Conflicts: Current Middle Eastern conflicts often trace roots to 20th-century colonial and Cold War legacies, rather than ancient religious strife.
Recognizing the historical context of regional conflicts is crucial for understanding modern Middle Eastern politics and actions of imperial powers.
Shifts in power dynamics following colonialism and during the Cold War continue to affect geopolitical strategies today.