War is a tragedy in which a few sacrifice the lives and property of many innocent people for the distribution of利益 - "The Decline of the Ottoman Empire" - Reflection after reading.

Aug 12, 2025#读书99

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The book discusses the history of the Middle Eastern front during World War I, written by a British author who uses firsthand accounts from participants, creating a sense of authenticity. The Ottoman Empire, initially neutral, entered the war due to territorial ambitions and German influence, leading to its eventual disintegration. Despite their efforts and some battlefield victories, the Ottoman forces ultimately prolonged the war and increased casualties. Many groups, including Arabs, Indians, Australians, New Zealanders, and Armenians, suffered significant losses due to decisions made by high-ranking officials, including genocidal policies that resulted in the massacre of over a million Armenians. Before the war, Britain, France, and Russia secretly agreed to divide the Ottoman Empire. As the war progressed, Britain also negotiated territorial plans with Arabs and supported the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. The conflicting 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 losses that often go uncompensated, while the powerful benefit.

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 originally had no direct involvement in World War I and could have remained neutral, but some officials, considering the protection or expansion of their national territory, ultimately entered the war under Germany's inducement, paying a heavy price for the country's division.

Although the Ottoman Empire made significant efforts on the battlefield and achieved several victories in defensive battles, despite incurring enormous 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, 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 property lost.

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 superficial agreements while actual conflicts continued, laying the groundwork for future wars.

Regardless of the war, even with various 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 those who ultimately benefit are always the few in power.