Sykes-Picot at 100
Secret agreement that shaped the Middle East turns 100. Is it still relevant?
As World War One neared its end 100 years ago, British and French diplomats struck a secret deal to carve up the Ottoman Empire. The borders that resulted from the Sykes-Picot agreement sparked a century of foreign military intervention, revolts against colonial powers and wars between local groups over territory and resources. Many in the region say the agreement has cause more harm than good. If local communities had been granted the autonomy they were promised, would things have turned out differently? What would the current borders look like?
In this episode of The Stream, we speak with:
Nidal Bitari @NidalBitari
Senior program manager, People Demand Change Organization
Rami Khouri @RamiKhouri
Senior public policy fellow, Issam Fares Institute – American University of Beirut
Ali Khedery @akhedery
Founder & CEO, Dragoman Ventures
Joyce Karam @Joyce_Karam
Washington bureau chief, Al-Hayat
What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.