The Problem With the Middle East's Borders

The Habsburg and Ottoman Empires were fierce rivals for centuries, but ironically died fighting together during the First World War.

It wouldn’t be a problem if the entire borders were just Toyota Corollas, just saying.

wow, the first time I see something educational from somebody in the West that is actually so accurate and honest about the Middle East. Well done!

as a middle eastern who is interested in geopolitics , this is by far the most accurate explanation why is the middle east is so violent and divided, the borders were designed to cripple the middle east and keep it under control ... thank you

"Why were they decided upon that way in the first place" -Shows London Ah, the usual reason for chaos then

Oh boy, time for a wholesome comments section that won't be controversial at all!

I am a syrian refugge who needed to flee the country at the age of 14, I now live in Sweden. I never truly understood what all the conflict was about inside my own country... I've heard about the sykes-picot thing once briefly in some history lesson but I was too young and naive to focus and understand. I am 21 now, and I finally understand.... so truly, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for opening my eyes.

Europe: creates Middle Eastern borders specifically to cause chaos and anarchy Middle East: falls into brutal chaos and anarchy Europe: shocked pikachu face

Everyone: blaming britain France, who were also involved: hiding in the corner

The same thing happened to Africa. The main difference is the Middle East is both a strategic location and holds major strategic resources.

It's such a shame that YouTube would demonetize a video for talking about Israel and Palestine, as well as all these other countries. This history is important for us all to know, and YouTube should allow it.

Really good explanation, I've never heard such a clear breakdown. The countries make a lot more sense to me now.

Britain and France: "Hobbies include drawing straight lines on maps."

“Why is this border so messed up?” At that point we are just waiting for a picture of London

I thought I knew quite a lot of stuff. But every time I watch one of your videos I learn SO MUCH more. Thank you, Real LIfe Lore.

This might need an update soon. But this is probably the first time I actively looked for a specific video of yours. Thanks.

Britain did the literal geopolitical equivalent of farting in an elevator as they were stepping off the elevator

Everyone: "All happening in the Middle East is USA fault" France and the UK: "OMG yes it is"

I would just like to point out that the Ottomans' decision to side with Germany wasn't "foolish." Winston Churchill, along with naval admirals and others in the British government, had already decided to invade because they knew they needed to convert from coal to oil. The Ottomans tried to stay out of the war, and in fact had tried to form relationships with Britain and France, but these were rejected. Not only that, but at the end of July 1914, Churchill barred Turks from boarding two of their dreadnoughts being worked on in British shipyards (the Reshadieh and Sultan Osman). At the beginning of August, the Ottomans found out that Britain had basically stolen their ships. Since Germany was the one European power that actually had a working relationship with the Ottomans, they sided with them. There is of course more to it than that (lots of shenanigans by the Young Turks and the military leadership, hopes that Germany would protect them from an invasion, etc) but to say they "foolishly" sided with Germany is oversimplifying things.

Salute to your honesty man loved the content for sure