What was the Sykes-Picot Agreement and why is it important to the modern Middle East?
The Sykes-Picot Agreement was a secret 1916 agreement between Britain and France that divided the Arab provinces of the Ottoman Empire into British and French areas of influence.
How did the discovery of oil impact the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East?
The discovery of oil transformed the Middle East into a strategically important region due to its vast oil reserves, attracting global interest and affecting international relations radically.
Which event marked the end of the Ottoman Empire and how did it affect the region?
The end of World War I marked the demise of the Ottoman Empire with the Treaty of Sèvres in 1920, leading to the partitioning of its territories in the Middle East.
When did Israel declare its independence and what were the immediate consequences?
Israel declared independence on May 14, 1948, resulting in the 1948 Arab-Israeli War as neighboring Arab states opposed the formation of a Jewish state.
What is the significance of the Camp David Accords?
The Camp David Accords, signed in 1978, were a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, marking the first time an Arab country recognized Israel.