The Middle East Series Part 5: Mandates and Mayhem

The Middle East as we know it was shaped by one of the most pivotal moments in modern history: the collapse of the Ottoman Empire after World War I. But what came next? Britain and France stepped in, carving up the region under the guise of "mandates" with promises of self-determination that quickly turned into colonial control. Borders were redrawn with little regard for local cultures, identities, or histories, laying the groundwork for tensions that persist to this day.
In this episode, we dive into the aftermath of the Sykes-Picot Agreement, the League of Nations mandates, and the contrasting colonial strategies of Britain and France. From the creation of artificial borders to the rise of nationalist movements and the seeds of conflict in places like Palestine, Syria, and Iraq — this is the story of how the modern Middle East was born out of betrayal, resistance, and unfulfilled promises.