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.
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.