Sykes-Picot at 100

As World War One neared its end 100 years ago, British and French diplomats struck a secret deal to carve up the Ottoman Empire. The borders that resulted from the Sykes-Picot agreement sparked a century of foreign military intervention, revolts against colonial powers and wars between local groups over territory and resources. Many in the region say the agreement has cause more harm than good. If local communities had been granted the autonomy they were promised, would things have turned out differently? What would the current borders look like? 
 

In this episode of The Stream, we speak with: 
 

Nidal Bitari @NidalBitari 
Senior program manager, People Demand Change Organization

 

Rami Khouri @RamiKhouri
Senior public policy fellow, Issam Fares Institute – American University of Beirut
 

Ali Khedery @akhedery
Founder & CEO, Dragoman Ventures

 

Joyce Karam @Joyce_Karam
Washington bureau chief, Al-Hayat
 

What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.