WHP-AP_Middle_East_and_The_End_of_Empire

The Middle East and the End of Empire

Overview

• Author: Eman M. Elshaikh

• Focuses on the impact of European colonialism and the Cold War in shaping Middle Eastern geopolitics.

Historical Context

• 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.

The Concept of the Middle East

• 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.

Ottoman Empire Legacy

• 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.

Suez Canal and Global Trade

• 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.

Iranian Oil Nationalization

• 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.

Cold War Dynamics

• 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.

Conclusion

• 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.