The Middle East Series Part 7: The British Mandate in Iraq

After the Great War, Britain found itself in control of Iraq—a land rich in history, culture, and, most importantly, oil. But what started as a grand imperial experiment quickly unraveled into one of the most expensive and violent colonial rebellions of the era. The 1920 Great Iraqi Revolt saw nationalists, tribal leaders, and religious factions unite against British rule, forcing the empire to rethink its approach.
With direct control proving too costly, Britain installed Faisal I as Iraq’s king, hoping he would stabilize the country while London kept a firm grip on its oil and military affairs. But was Iraq ever truly independent? And what were the long-term consequences of Britain’s intervention?
Join as we dive deep into the British Mandate of Iraq, the rebellion that shook its foundations, and the legacy it left behind.