This book is a history of the Middle East theater during World War I written by a British author. The author draws extensively on firsthand accounts from those who participated in the war, giving the narrative a sense of authenticity. The Ottoman Empire had no direct connection to World War I and could have remained neutral, but some officials, motivated by the desire to protect or expand their territory, succumbed to Germany's enticements and ultimately entered the war, paying the heavy price of national disintegration.
Although the Ottoman Empire fought valiantly on the battlefield and achieved several defensive victories, despite suffering immense casualties, its actual role was to prolong the war and draw more people into the conflict. Arabs, Indians, Australians, New Zealanders, and Armenians were also not directly involved in the war, but due to decisions or secret agreements made by high-ranking officials in various countries, these people suffered immense casualties, especially due to the genocidal policies of several high-ranking Ottoman officials. resulting in the massacre of millions of Armenians. Even though these officials were later tried and assassinated after the war, it could not compensate for the loss of so many lives and property.
Before the war began, Britain, France, and Russia had secretly negotiated an agreement to partition the Ottoman Empire. As the war progressed, Britain also secretly negotiated a territorial division plan with the Arabs and supported the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. Due to conflicts between these agreements and plans, the post-war treaties could not fully address the demands of all nations. They could only superficially reach a treaty, but conflicts continued to arise, laying the groundwork for subsequent wars.
Regardless of the war, even with various justifications, the majority of those who bear the consequences are innocent people. Many lives and properties lost in war are not compensated, and ultimately, only a small number of powerful individuals benefit.