The Modern Middle East

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the history of the modern Middle East is peppered with revolts and revolutions against European dominance and against self-serving individuals within the culture who attempted to rule the area. The author points out that European colonial imperialism had a capacity of forcing divergent groups to integrate or to marginalize or peripheralize those who are not willing to work within its economic policies. The paper relates that the leaders who fought for their country's freedom had to modernize defensively their military, which also led to modernizing the internal political structure of their nations.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Imperialism
Integration and Peripheralism
Five Biographies
Journeymen
Textile Weavers
The Revolutionaries
Mohand N'Hamoucha, Middle Atlas Berber
Ramadan al-Suwayhli Hero of the Libyan Resistance
Abu Ali al-Kilawi A Damascus Qabaday
Muhammed El Merid - The Man Who Became Qaid
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"When Abd al-Krim proclaimed himself the head of a Rifian republic in 1923, it appeared he might be able to take control of northeastern Morocco from Spain. El Merid's efforts to assist the Spanish during this period were noted by Spanish authorities and the made him Quaid of the qabila of Ulad Stut. Muhammed El Merid was the most powerful and influential of the indigenous Spanish protectorate officials in Zaio. He was responsible for day to day law and order, general administration and justice in the tribe. In this position, El Merid was able to acquire and control the lands of the Sebra. Although the other Moroccan groups legally challenged El Merid's claim to this ill gotten land, even when Morocco became an independent state his progeny continued to be the most influential and wealthy members of the notability of Zaio to this day."

More papers on The Modern Middle East:

• Analytical Essay # 64781 : "Joel Beinin's "Workers and Peasants in the Modern Middle East"
• Book Review # 66055 : "Struggle and Survival in the Modern Middle East"
• Book Review # 94208 : "The Modern Middle East"
• Book Review # 94434 : "Modern Middle East"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: