WI and How: The Kingdom of Syria

Though having only recently emerged from lurking, particularly on this section of the boards, I am considering writing a timeline with its POD in 1917 or 1918.

The central idea is that following the First world war a vision of the middle east close to that of the original Sykes-Picot Agreement, tempered slightly toward the ideas of Lawrence is enacted and to then follow the reign of Faisal as King of Syria.

What I would ask of the experienced and knowledgeable on this board is;

a) Is this feasible? I think that possibly with the Armenian Legion and the French landing in Cilicia a firm hold might be established there which would prevent the Turkish Republic from regaining the territory and that Lawrence and the Arab legion might be able to push further, earlier into Syria, allowing the Arab Kingdom to get off the ground quicker. These combined might prevent the French from ending the Kingdom in 1920.

b) What follows? I envisage significant stress in Syria over water rights, economic dominance by France and Britain, lack of access to ports on the Mediterranean etc. I think that potentially the pattern in Iraq could be followed with influence brought to an end prematurely. Later conflict over the inevitably smaller Jewish area I see based around Haifa and Acre and the fate of the rest of Palestine. Incidentally I also see Lawrence staying with Faisal after Paris, either as British Commissioner or as a member of his staff.

Thank you for any comments or advice.
 
Sounds good - I don't really know enough to comment at this stage.

Were the French thinking of landing in Cilicia, then ?

Best Regards
Grey Wolf
 
The situation in Palestine in this sort of situation becomes interesting. For instance, I have a TL where the following happens:

1. Stalemate in 1917 due to no US entry into WWI.
2. Ottomans agree to the positioning of French and British candidates as Sharifs of Syria and Mesopotamia respecively- the candidates chosen are Faisal and Abdullah, while Hedjaz itself retains its independence and is given Transjordan as well.

This in only one idea, and Transjordan can become anything from an independent nation under Prince Zeid (brother of the other too) to part of Syria.
 
What's Syria's border with Arabia? If Ibn Saud later moves on the Hejaz, won't Syria come to the aid of their kinsman (father, brother I'm not sure!). Or might Syria's existence PREVENT Saud from trying?

Best Regards
Grey Wolf
 

Hashasheen

Banned
What's Syria's border with Arabia? If Ibn Saud later moves on the Hejaz, won't Syria come to the aid of their kinsman (father, brother I'm not sure!). Or might Syria's existence PREVENT Saud from trying?

Best Regards
Grey Wolf
Father, then Brother. It all depends on the level of aid the Hejazis would get from the British in counter to powerful Saudi armaments of the time. We talk about the mujaheddin and the CIA, but that was just a follow-up to the fuck ups the British did in dealing with the Al Saud.
 
Grey Wolf said:
Were the French thinking of landing in Cilicia, then ?

I'm not actually sure about that, but I don't see why they couldn't (barring logistical issues), particularly if I can bring forward the capture of Damascus and increase the disintegration of Ottoman authority in the Levant.

yourworstnightmare said:
So will Iraq become a part of Syria in this TL?

No, it will smaller and start out under Faisal's brother, Abdullah.

Alex Richards said:
The situation in Palestine in this sort of situation becomes interesting. For instance, I have a TL where the following happens:

1. Stalemate in 1917 due to no US entry into WWI.
2. Ottomans agree to the positioning of French and British candidates as Sharifs of Syria and Mesopotamia respecively- the candidates chosen are Faisal and Abdullah, while Hedjaz itself retains its independence and is given Transjordan as well.

This in only one idea, and Transjordan can become anything from an independent nation under Prince Zeid (brother of the other too) to part of Syria.

Palestine is the most complicated area to decide what to do with; a fact I might incorporate into the TL, with it ending up under an ever-extended temporary system.

Hashasheen said:
Grey Wolf said:
What's Syria's border with Arabia? If Ibn Saud later moves on the Hejaz, won't Syria come to the aid of their kinsman (father, brother I'm not sure!). Or might Syria's existence PREVENT Saud from trying?

Best Regards
Grey Wolf

Father, then Brother. It all depends on the level of aid the Hejazis would get from the British in counter to powerful Saudi armaments of the time. We talk about the mujaheddin and the CIA, but that was just a follow-up to the fuck ups the British did in dealing with the Al Saud.

As Hashasheen says, it does all depend on what the British government does, the Saudis are almost certain to try it anyway. The Rashidis are as likely to be fished off as in OTL as is Asir. Depending however on whether the presence of one dynasty so prominently across the Arab world and the activities of Hussein bin Ali, Fasial and Abdullah are seen as beneficial in Whitehall, the British may or may not help/hinder the Saudis.
 
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