The foreign policy of The British Empire regarding Iraq 1914-32

The British Empire, where the sun never set, had become the world leader in the 18th and19th century due to her superior navy and strong diplomacy. Britain, by using themanpower and the raw material of her colonies to bring wealth to the motherland England,put herself at the center of the world. The most precious jewel of the Empire was India.Every spot between London and Delhi was subject of interest. Thus, the Ottoman Empirewas a bridge between India and England. The strength of Ottoman Empire was thesecurity of India. Ottoman strength was an obstacle for other Europeans and Russians toreach India. Because of this, London was going to support the Ottoman Sultans and sendmessengers to gain privileges. But when the Ottoman Empire was at a stage of no rescue,England was to secure the route to India by herself. The Persian Gulf and Mesopotamiawere the areas England wanted to control by herself. After the discovery of oil in Persia,the English assumed that there could be other oil fields in Iraq, too. Petroleum was crucialfor keeping the same life standards, industry and the navy. One way or another these areashad to be ruled by the British and the First World War was just an excuse.The history of the Iraqi state starts with the English invasion of this area in the First WorldWar. After giving support to the Arab revolt during the war, England used the Hashemitefamily, guardians of the holy cities to protect her own interests. Amir Feisal, son of SharifHusain who later became the King of Hejaz, was made King of Iraq. Feisal, indebted anddependent on the English accepted the fact that Iraq remained under English rule despitebeing an independent country in 1932. In 1958 the nationalists were to proclaim theRepublic of Iraq along the wishes of the Iraqi people. It was only after 1958 that Iraqbroke her chains from England. Meanwhile, the British Empire had already lost her poweras a hegemon.Today, the moment we talk about Iraq, the United States of America comes to our mindsdue to the Gulf Wars. Despite that one shall not forget that it was the British Empirewhich reigned Iraq for more than a century. Even today, England continues to affect thisarea indirectly via her cooperation with the USA.Key words: Iraq, England, Ottoman Empire, mandate system, nation state building