British Colonization of Iraq, 1918-1932

Numerous lessons can be learned by studying British colonial efforts in Iraq. By understanding how Iraq was formed, and understanding its history, modem planners can gain a more holistic view of the grievance and issues that have continued to plague the region, and help place current problems into the proper perspective. Discussion: The ending of the First World War ushered in an age of great turbulence and uncertainty. For the United Kingdom, the end for the war signaled economic and military decline, forcing the Empire to change its colonial policies. In particular, British efforts to colonize and govern Iraq were miscalculated and self serving, resulting in the creation of an unbalanced and violent nation, divided along ethic and sectarian lines. Britain's lack of understanding of the Arab nationalist movement, failures of the Cairo Conference, and the appointment of Faisal as King, have led to conflict, violence, and disunity for contemporary Iraq. Great Britain's strategic view of the troubles they faced in Iraq, and how to solve those problems, was flawed. Their lack of understanding, and unwillingness to dedicate the necessary resources to resolve the political and social issues in Iraq caused irreparable harm. The uniting of the three former provinces of Mosul, Baghdad, and Basra into a single country has led to ethnic and religious turmoil since its earliest moments of creation. Britain's successful colonization of Iraq has led to strategic catastrophe in the region, with little hope of a peaceful resolution.