SW Asia-- before WWI the ottoman's ruled.

Ottoman Empire:

At one time in history, a large empire known as the Ottoman Empire stretched across Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia.

Partitioning: (Means to divide)

--The Ottoman Empire ended up on the losing side of World War I and the empire collapsed. Their land would be divided.

--The main part of the Ottoman Empire became Turkey while the rest was partitioned (divided) by Britain and France.

Impacts of New borders (Read and discuss)

Partitioning:

--Britain and France made new borders because they wanted control of the area to get the oil profits (money).

-Since the new borders were based on the oil interests of Europe, and not the best interests of the people in SW Asia, local cultures were ignored and conflict was on the rise.

Ethnic & Religious Conflicts (Read & discuss)

Partitioning:

--The new borders also caused some ethnic and religious groups to be separated by boundaries, while some rival groups were placed together.
--For example, Sunni and Shia Muslims were forced together into Iraq. These two religious groups have fought for power in Iraq for decades.
-- For Example, Another problem created by the land division has impacted the Kurds, an ethnic group.

--Despite their large population, Kurds did not get their own territory when Europeans partitioned SW Asia and they were divided among Turkey, Iraq, and Iran. This made them vulnerable to discrimination.