War is a tragedy where a few sacrifice the lives and property of many innocents for the distribution of benefits - "The Decline of the Ottoman Empire" - Reflection after reading.

Aug 12, 2025#读书95

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This book, written by a British author, explores the history of the Middle Eastern front during World War I, using firsthand accounts from participants to convey a sense of authenticity. The Ottoman Empire, initially neutral, chose to enter the war under pressure from Germany, leading to its eventual disintegration. Despite their efforts and some battlefield victories, the Ottomans ultimately prolonged the war and increased casualties among various groups, including Arabs, Indians, Australians, New Zealanders, and Armenians, many of whom were not directly involved in the conflict. The Armenian genocide, driven by Ottoman officials, resulted in the deaths of over a million Armenians, a tragedy that could not be rectified even after the war. Before the war, Britain, France, and Russia secretly agreed to divide the Ottoman Empire. As the war progressed, Britain negotiated territorial plans with Arab leaders and supported the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. Conflicts arising from these agreements led to unresolved tensions in post-war treaties, setting the stage for future conflicts. Ultimately, the book emphasizes that in any war, innocent people bear the brunt of the consequences, suffering significant losses without compensation, while the powerful often emerge as the beneficiaries.

This book is written by a British author about the history of the Middle Eastern front during World War I. The author cites many firsthand accounts from people who participated in the war, making it feel quite authentic. The Ottoman Empire had no direct relation to World War I and could have remained neutral, but some officials, considering the protection or expansion of their national territory, ultimately joined the war under the temptation of Germany, paying a heavy price for the division of their nation.

Although the Ottoman Empire made significant efforts on the battlefield and achieved several victories in defensive battles, despite incurring massive casualties, its actual effect was to prolong the war and draw more people into it. Arabs, Indians, Australians, New Zealanders, and Armenians were not directly related to this war either, but due to certain decisions or secret agreements made by high-ranking officials of various countries, these people suffered tremendous casualties, especially due to the genocidal policies of several high-ranking Ottoman officials, resulting in the massacre of over a million Armenians. Even though these officials were later tried and assassinated, it could not compensate for the lives and properties of so many people.

Before the war began, Britain, France, and Russia secretly negotiated an agreement to divide 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 the conflicts in these agreements and plans, the post-war treaties could not fully resolve the demands of various countries, leading to a superficial agreement while actual conflicts continued, laying the groundwork for subsequent wars.

In any war, regardless of the reasons, the majority of those who ultimately bear the consequences are innocent people. Many lives and properties lost in the war are not compensated, and in the end, it is always a minority of powerful individuals who benefit.