In 1922, the Ottoman Empire is broken up Over the next 35 years the Middle East undergoes several drastic changes… New states are formed and independence from European imperialists is declared Turkey (1923) Egypt (1922) from England Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (1932) Syria (1936) from France Iran (1932) from England Many others would follow…

Time of experimentation At independence, most became monarchies Egypt, Iran, & Iraq are republics Saudi Arabia and Jordan have kings Degree of citizen participation varies Turkey & Israel hold elections Kurds in Turkey and Arabs in Israel discriminated against Ba’ath party dominated in Iraq and Syria Ex: Saddam Hussein “elected” but crushed opposition

Arabs feel betrayed by Europe (Hussein-McMahon Agreement) The Balfour Declaration does not help the situation. – This proves the British support a Jewish homeland in the Arab- controlled area of Palestine Result: Arabs call for a single, unified Arab state

Alexandria Protocol: (Oct 7, 1944) Arab nations pledge to create a joint-Arab organization The League of Arab States ( جامعة الدول العربية‎ ) Formed March 22, 1945 Comprised of 6 charter members (Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Syria) The organization is based in Cairo

Goals: All participating countries will be equal Strengthen relations between Arab states Become modern world power Reduce European influence on the region Ironically, the Arab League was suggested by the British The Arab League is involved in political, economic, cultural, and social programs designed to promote the interests of its member states

The creation of the Arab League officially begins the push for a single Pan-Arab nation Pan-Arabism Movement for unification among the peoples and countries of the Arab World Closely connected to Arab nationalism, which believes that Arabs constitute a single nation Pan-Arabism has tended to be secular (apart from religion) and often socialist Traditionally Pan-Arabism has strongly opposed colonialism and Western political involvement in the Arab world

Became President of Egypt in 1950s Main promoter of Pan- Arabism Invited all Arab nations to join new “United Arab Republic” Only Syria joined Lasted only three years You are invited to: United Arab Republic Party From: Gamal To: The Middle East Where: Gamal’s house

The league consists of 22 members. This doesn’t include several provisionary members (Brazil, Venezuela, and India) Pro’s: Many very wealthy members Large deposits of oil Membership is expanding Con’s: Several very poor members Many internal disagreements Not Pro-West