The document summarizes the history of the modern Middle East from World War I to present day. It discusses how the Ottoman Empire sided with Germany in WWI and the rise of nationalism in the region. After the war, Britain and France made secret agreements like the Sykes-Picot Treaty to divide former Ottoman lands, while also making conflicting promises to Arab leaders. New nation-states were formed under the League of Nations mandate system, with ongoing tensions around borders and independence. Conflict over Israel/Palestine has been a long-term issue, and the region has experienced various regime changes and instability in places like Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan.