Cairo 1921
Ten Days that Made the Middle East
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Yale University Press
Published:26th Jul '22
Should be back in stock very soon
This book delves into the 1921 Cairo Conference, examining its profound and lasting influence on the Middle East's political landscape and state formation.
The book Cairo 1921 presents an in-depth exploration of the pivotal 1921 Cairo Conference, highlighting its significant and lasting effects on the modern Middle East. Convened by Winston Churchill, the conference aimed to redefine the political landscape of the region following the aftermath of World War I and the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire. This gathering was instrumental in establishing the states of Iraq and Jordan, as well as affirming the creation of a Jewish homeland in Palestine, which would later evolve into the state of Israel. The decisions made during this conference continue to resonate throughout the Middle East today.
C. Brad Faught meticulously examines the dynamics of the conference, revealing how it was largely led by British interests, with limited involvement from local leaders. Despite its ambitious goals, the conference ultimately fell short of fostering a stable and unified political framework in the region. Faught's analysis uncovers the motivations of key figures such as T. E. Lawrence and Gertrude Bell, who were deeply committed to the idea of state-building. Their mixed motivations and biases played a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of the conference.
Through Cairo 1921, readers gain valuable insights into the complexities of Middle Eastern politics and the historical context that has influenced contemporary issues. The book serves as a crucial resource for understanding how past decisions continue to affect the geopolitical landscape and the lives of millions in the region.
“Cairo 1921 is a good read for historians of the Middle East and casual enthusiasts looking to learn more. It shows how colonial powers failed miserably at the closure of their empires, how fragile democracies could be, and how a conference held in Cairo in 1921 and the decisions taken then have had reverberating ramifications 100 years later.”—Omar Darwazah, Arab Studies Quarterly
“A seasoned storyteller. . . . C. Brad Faught has produced a highly readable re-enactment of those diplomatic negotiations that is not short of gusto and dense atmosphere.”—Arie M Dubnov, History Today
“A brilliant and comprehensive examination of the events, individuals involved and actions taken by Britain under Churchill as Colonial Secretary and his advisors in Cairo in March 1921 while challenged by nascent nationalism and prevailing colonial mindset.”—Michael D. Berdine, author of Redrawing the Middle East
“A refreshingly clear and straightforward account of the 1921 Cairo Conference that largely shaped the Middle East as we know it today.”—David Stafford, author of Oblivion or Glory: 1921 and the Making of Winston Churchill
"This is a beautifully written book — accessible and historically rigorous. It seeks to understand the past on its own terms rather than through the prism of our contemporary obsessions. Instead, Professor Faught foregrounds the complex policy challenges facing the British government within the context of the time. The result is a sympathetic but critical account of the way in which the modern Middle East state system emerged. We live with the consequences."—Sir John Jenkins, former British ambassador to Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia
ISBN: 9780300256741
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
264 pages