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A Line in the Sand

A Line in the Sand

Britain, France and the Struggle that Shaped the Middle East
by James Barr 2011 352 pages
4.06
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Key Takeaways

1. The Sykes-Picot Agreement Carved Up the Middle East, Ignoring Arab Aspirations

In the secret Sykes–Picot agreement they split the Ottomans’ Middle Eastern empire between them by a diagonal line in the sand that ran from the Mediterranean Sea coast to the mountains of the Persian frontier.

Secret division. The Sykes-Picot Agreement, a clandestine pact between Britain and France in 1916, divided the Ottoman Empire's Arab provinces into spheres of influence, disregarding existing ethnic and cultural boundaries. This agreement, negotiated by Mark Sykes and François Georges-Picot, laid the groundwork for future conflicts by ignoring the aspirations of Arab populations for self-determination.

Arbitrary borders. The agreement created artificial borders that would later become the basis for modern Middle Eastern states. These borders often lumped together disparate groups and separated communities with shared identities, sowing the seeds of future instability. The agreement was a classic example of European powers prioritizing their own interests over the needs and desires of the people living in the region.

Betrayal of promises. The Sykes-Picot Agreement directly contradicted promises made to Arab leaders, such as Sharif Hussein of Mecca, who had been led to believe that they would be granted a large, independent Arab state in exchange for their support against the Ottoman Empire. This betrayal fueled Arab resentment and distrust of European powers.

2. British and French Imperial Rivalry Fueled the Arab-Israeli Conflict

What makes this venomous rivalry between Britain and France so important is that it fuelled today’s Arab–Israeli conflict.

Historical animosity. The rivalry between Britain and France, dating back centuries, played out in the Middle East as both powers sought to expand their influence and control strategic resources. This competition often manifested as undermining each other's policies and supporting opposing factions within the region. The Fashoda incident, where the two countries almost went to war over control of the Nile, is a prime example of this animosity.

Exploitation of tensions. Both Britain and France exploited existing tensions between Arabs and Jews to further their own agendas. Britain, for example, initially supported Zionist aspirations to secure its position in the Middle East, while France later secretly aided Jewish terrorist groups to undermine British rule. This manipulation of local conflicts exacerbated existing divisions and contributed to the ongoing Arab-Israeli conflict.

Legacy of distrust. The legacy of British and French imperial rivalry continues to shape the Middle East today. The artificial borders, the manipulation of local conflicts, and the broken promises have all contributed to a climate of distrust and instability that persists to this day.

3. T.E. Lawrence's Arab Revolt Challenged European Colonial Ambitions

So far as Syria is concerned it is France and not Turkey that is the enemy.

Arab agency. T.E. Lawrence, a British officer, recognized the potential of Arab nationalism and sought to harness it to further British interests. He played a key role in organizing and leading the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire, aiming to create an independent Arab state that would serve as a British ally.

Conflicting visions. Lawrence's vision of an independent Arab state clashed with the Sykes-Picot Agreement, which envisioned French control over Syria. This conflict of interests led to tensions between Lawrence and British policymakers who were committed to honoring the agreement. Lawrence's actions, though intended to serve British interests, ultimately challenged the broader European colonial project in the Middle East.

Undermining French influence. Lawrence's efforts to promote Arab nationalism and create an independent Arab state directly threatened French ambitions in Syria. His actions, though ultimately unsuccessful in preventing French control, helped to sow the seeds of resistance and undermine French authority in the region.

4. The Balfour Declaration Complicated the Middle East Equation

What seemed at the time to be an ingenious way to outmanoeuvre France has had devastating repercussions ever since.

British support for Zionism. The Balfour Declaration, issued by the British government in 1917, declared its support for the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine. This declaration, motivated by a desire to secure British interests in the region and gain support from Jewish communities, had far-reaching consequences.

Conflicting promises. The Balfour Declaration contradicted previous promises made to Arab leaders, who had been led to believe that they would be granted an independent Arab state in exchange for their support against the Ottoman Empire. This created a situation of conflicting promises and competing claims to the same territory.

Escalation of tensions. The Balfour Declaration fueled tensions between Arabs and Jews in Palestine, as both groups saw the declaration as a validation of their claims to the land. This escalation of tensions ultimately led to violence and conflict that continues to this day.

5. Oil Interests Intensified the Struggle for Control in Mosul and Beyond

The Power that controls the oil lands of Persia and Mesopotamia will control the source of supply of the majority of the liquid fuel of the future.

Strategic resource. The discovery of vast oil reserves in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) transformed the region into a strategic prize for European powers. Britain, in particular, sought to control these resources to fuel its navy and maintain its dominance as a maritime power.

Conflicting claims. The desire to control Mosul's oilfields intensified the rivalry between Britain and France, as both powers sought to secure their access to this vital resource. This competition further complicated the already complex political landscape of the Middle East.

Long-term consequences. The struggle for control of oil resources continues to shape the Middle East today. The legacy of imperial competition and the exploitation of natural resources have contributed to instability and conflict in the region.

6. Post-WWI Mandates Created Instability and Resentment

Both powers were supposed to steer these embryonic countries to rapid independence, but they immediately began to drag their feet.

League of Nations mandates. Following World War I, the League of Nations granted Britain and France mandates over former Ottoman territories in the Middle East. These mandates were supposed to guide these territories towards independence, but in reality, they often served as a means for the European powers to maintain control.

Arab frustration. The failure of Britain and France to grant genuine independence to the mandated territories fueled Arab frustration and resentment. The perception that the European powers were simply replacing Ottoman rule with their own brand of colonialism led to widespread protests and uprisings.

Seeds of future conflict. The mandates created artificial states with arbitrary borders, often lumping together disparate groups and excluding others. This created a breeding ground for future conflicts, as different groups vied for power and resources within these newly created states.

7. Interwar Tensions Led to Violence and Shifting Alliances

Lacking neighbourly support, both France and Britain resorted to violent tactics to crush protest that only enraged the Arabs further.

Suppression of dissent. Both Britain and France resorted to violent tactics to suppress Arab dissent and maintain control over their mandated territories. These tactics, which included mass arrests, collective punishment, and the use of military force, only served to further alienate the Arab population.

Shifting alliances. As tensions escalated, different factions within the Arab world began to align themselves with either Britain or France, further exacerbating existing divisions. This created a complex web of alliances and rivalries that made it difficult to achieve stability in the region.

Cycle of violence. The interwar period was marked by a cycle of violence and repression, as both Britain and France sought to maintain control over their mandated territories. This cycle of violence further fueled Arab resentment and contributed to the ongoing instability in the Middle East.

8. World War II Created New Opportunities for Intrigue and Revenge

The fall of France in 1940, and the subsequent decision by the French in the Levant to back the Vichy government, ended both sides’ reluctance to interfere in one another’s problems.

Vichy France in the Levant. The fall of France in 1940 and the establishment of the Vichy government created a new dynamic in the Middle East. The Vichy French in the Levant, loyal to the collaborationist regime in France, became a potential threat to British interests in the region.

British intervention. To counter this threat, Britain and Free French forces invaded Syria and Lebanon in 1941, ousting the Vichy regime and installing a Free French administration. This intervention marked a turning point in the relationship between Britain and France in the Middle East, as both sides became increasingly willing to interfere in one another's affairs.

Post-war power struggles. Following World War II, Britain and France continued to vie for influence in the Middle East. This competition, fueled by historical rivalries and strategic interests, further complicated the region's political landscape and contributed to the ongoing Arab-Israeli conflict.

9. The British Appeasement of Arabs Before WWII Backfired

Britain’s appeasement of the Arabs’ terrorism before the war had shown that violence worked.

Strategic calculation. In the years leading up to World War II, Britain sought to appease Arab leaders in an effort to secure their support against the Axis powers. This policy of appeasement often involved making concessions to Arab demands, such as restricting Jewish immigration to Palestine.

Encouraging violence. The British appeasement policy inadvertently encouraged violence by demonstrating that it could be an effective means of achieving political goals. Arab groups, seeing that violence had yielded results in the past, were more likely to resort to it in the future.

Undermining trust. The British appeasement policy undermined trust between Britain and both Arabs and Jews. Arabs felt that Britain was not doing enough to support their cause, while Jews felt that Britain was betraying its commitment to the creation of a Jewish national home.

10. The French Secretly Supported Zionist Terrorists to Oust the British

As this book reveals, the French now secretly offered support to Zionist terrorists who shared their determination to drive the British out of Palestine.

Alliance of convenience. Frustrated by British dominance in the Middle East, some French officials secretly offered support to Zionist terrorist groups who were fighting to end British rule in Palestine. This alliance of convenience was driven by a shared desire to undermine British influence in the region.

Fueling the conflict. French support for Zionist terrorism further escalated tensions between Arabs and Jews in Palestine. The violence perpetrated by these groups contributed to a climate of fear and distrust that made it increasingly difficult to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Long-term consequences. The French decision to support Zionist terrorism had a lasting impact on the Middle East. It helped to create the conditions for the establishment of the state of Israel, but it also contributed to the ongoing Arab-Israeli conflict.

11. The Arab League's Formation Solidified Anti-Zionist Sentiment

The British had faced and crushed local uprisings inspired by Islam in India and the Sudan in the years before the war.

Pan-Arabism. The formation of the Arab League in 1945 represented a significant step towards greater Arab unity. The League, composed of independent Arab states, sought to promote cooperation and coordination on issues of common interest.

Opposition to Zionism. One of the primary goals of the Arab League was to oppose the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. The League saw Zionism as a threat to Arab interests and sought to prevent the creation of a Jewish state by any means necessary.

Regional conflict. The Arab League's opposition to Zionism helped to solidify anti-Jewish sentiment across the Arab world. This, in turn, contributed to the escalation of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the displacement of Palestinian Arabs.

12. The British Exit from Palestine Left a Legacy of Conflict

This book tries to explain how matters came to such a pass.

Unilateral withdrawal. Frustrated by the escalating violence and the failure to achieve a peaceful resolution, the British government announced its intention to withdraw unilaterally from Palestine in 1948. This decision left a power vacuum in the region and set the stage for the first Arab-Israeli war.

Legacy of division. The British withdrawal from Palestine left a legacy of division and conflict that continues to shape the Middle East today. The creation of the state of Israel and the displacement of Palestinian Arabs have created a deep-seated sense of grievance and resentment that has fueled decades of violence.

Unresolved issues. The British withdrawal from Palestine failed to address the underlying issues that had led to the conflict. The competing claims to the land, the lack of a clear border, and the absence of a just resolution for the Palestinian refugees have all contributed to the ongoing instability in the region.

Last updated:

FAQ

What's A Line in the Sand about?

  • Historical Context: A Line in the Sand by James Barr examines the British and French imperial ambitions in the Middle East during and after World War I. It focuses on the Sykes-Picot Agreement and its impact on the region.
  • Key Figures and Events: The book features historical figures like Mark Sykes, François Georges-Picot, and T.E. Lawrence, and covers events such as the Arab Revolt and the establishment of the Turkish Petroleum Company.
  • Consequences of Imperialism: Barr argues that the decisions made during this period laid the groundwork for ongoing conflicts, including the Arab-Israeli conflict, and continue to influence the political landscape today.

Why should I read A Line in the Sand?

  • Insightful Analysis: James Barr provides a detailed examination of historical events that shaped the Middle East, offering a deeper understanding of contemporary issues.
  • Engaging Narrative: The book combines historical facts with storytelling, making it accessible to both history enthusiasts and general readers interested in international relations.
  • Relevance to Current Events: Understanding the historical roots of Middle Eastern conflicts is crucial for comprehending today's geopolitical landscape, and the book sheds light on how past decisions resonate in modern politics.

What are the key takeaways of A Line in the Sand?

  • Imperial Rivalries: The book emphasizes the destructive nature of imperial rivalries, particularly between Britain and France, and how these fueled tensions in the Middle East.
  • Impact of Promises: Barr highlights the conflicting promises made to various groups, leading to widespread disillusionment and conflict, with lasting repercussions.
  • Legacy of Conflict: The decisions made during this period have contributed to ongoing instability, with historical grievances continuing to shape the identities and politics of Middle Eastern nations.

What are the best quotes from A Line in the Sand and what do they mean?

  • "The British knew from the outset...": This quote underscores the awareness of British officials regarding the potential backlash from their policies in the Middle East.
  • "What makes this venomous rivalry...": Highlights the long-term consequences of imperial rivalries on contemporary issues, particularly the Arab-Israeli conflict.
  • "The compromise, which neither power liked...": Reflects the complexities and challenges of governing a region with diverse populations and interests.

How did the Sykes-Picot Agreement affect the Middle East?

  • Arbitrary Borders: The agreement created borders that ignored ethnic and religious realities, leading to ongoing tensions and conflicts.
  • Colonial Control: It established a framework for British and French control, often met with resistance from local populations, contributing to a legacy of resentment.
  • Long-Term Consequences: The decisions made in the aftermath have had lasting effects on the political landscape, with many of today's conflicts tracing back to these divisions.

What role did T.E. Lawrence play in the events described in A Line in the Sand?

  • Arab Revolt Leader: T.E. Lawrence, known as Lawrence of Arabia, played a crucial role in the Arab Revolt against Ottoman rule, acting as a liaison between the British military and Arab forces.
  • Advocate for Arab Independence: He believed in Arab self-determination and sought to support their aspirations for independence, highlighting the complexities of the Arab struggle.
  • Cultural Impact: Lawrence's legacy extends beyond military achievements; he became a symbol of the Arab struggle for independence, influencing perceptions of the Middle East.

How did oil influence British and French policies in the Middle East?

  • Strategic Resource: Oil was critical for both nations, shaping their foreign policies and military strategies, as control over oil was essential for maintaining their empires.
  • Economic Interests: The economic benefits of oil drove investments in infrastructure, often at the expense of local populations and their rights.
  • Geopolitical Rivalries: Competition for oil resources led to rivalries not only between Britain and France but also with other powers, resulting in conflicts and complicated diplomatic relations.

What were the consequences of British support for Zionism?

  • Conflict with Arab Aspirations: British support for Zionism, particularly through the Balfour Declaration, conflicted with promises made to Arab leaders, fueling resentment and violence.
  • Escalation of Tensions: The influx of Jewish immigrants into Palestine, encouraged by British policies, led to increased tensions and violence, contributing to the Arab-Israeli conflict.
  • Legacy of Distrust: The failure to balance the interests of both Jews and Arabs resulted in a legacy of distrust that persists today, emphasizing the importance of understanding historical grievances.

How does A Line in the Sand address the theme of betrayal?

  • Conflicting Promises: The book highlights the numerous conflicting promises made by British and French officials, leading to a betrayal of trust with profound implications for regional stability.
  • Impact on National Identity: The sense of betrayal shaped national identities and political movements, with the legacy of broken promises influencing contemporary politics.
  • Historical Reflection: The theme of betrayal serves as a lens to examine the broader consequences of imperialism, encouraging reflection on how historical grievances inform current conflicts.

What role did the Turkish Petroleum Company play in the events described in A Line in the Sand?

  • Formation and Control: The Turkish Petroleum Company was established to exploit oil resources, becoming a focal point for British and French interests.
  • Negotiations and Tensions: The struggle for control over the TPC exemplified broader geopolitical tensions, with misunderstandings complicating negotiations.
  • Impact on Local Politics: The TPC's operations had significant implications for local politics, illustrating the intersection of economic interests and political power.

How did the Arab Revolt of 1936 affect British and French policies?

  • Response to Colonial Rule: The revolt was a direct response to colonial policies, highlighting growing discontent and the desire for self-determination.
  • Military and Political Consequences: It forced colonial powers to reassess their military presence and political strategies, leading to increased force and repressive measures.
  • Long-term Implications: The revolt set the stage for future conflicts and shaped the trajectory of Arab nationalism, underscoring the challenges of maintaining control over restless populations.

Review Summary

4.06 out of 5
Average of 4k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

A Line in the Sand is praised for its engaging narrative and detailed account of British-French rivalry in shaping the Middle East. Readers appreciate Barr's use of declassified documents and personal correspondence to provide new insights. The book is commended for its balanced perspective, though some find certain chapters less engaging. Many reviewers note the book's relevance in understanding current Middle East conflicts. Some criticize Barr's occasional bias, while others appreciate his ability to make complex historical events accessible and entertaining.

Your rating:
4.53
37 ratings

About the Author

James Barr is a British historian and author who studied Modern History at Oxford University. He has worked in various fields, including politics, journalism, and finance. Barr's interest in Middle Eastern history led him to write "Setting the Desert on Fire" about Lawrence of Arabia and the Arab Revolt. His latest book, "A Line in the Sand," explores the rivalry between Britain and France in shaping the modern Middle East. Barr's writing style is noted for its engaging narrative and use of declassified documents to provide fresh insights into historical events. He is currently working on his next book.

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