Pan-Arabism

Imperialism in the Middle East• 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…

Problem: The borders of Middle Eastern countries were drawn by Europeans

Why is this a problem?

Changing Political Traditions

• 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

Angry Arabs• 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

Formation of the Arab League• Alexandria Protocol: (Oct 7, 1944)•Arab nations pledge to create a joint-Arab organization

• The League of Arab States ( الدول جامعة(العربية•Formed March 22, 1945

• Comprised of 6 charter members (Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Syria) •The organization is based in Cairo

What is the Arab League?• 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 Big Picture…• 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

Gamal Abdel Nasser• 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 Arab League Today• 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