Status Updates From Putevi svile

Britain grapples to keep control of its oil monopoly in Persia, creating a puppet state that is doomed to fail in Iraq. As outside pressure grows, Britain begins to make concessions - though it gains some valuable territory near the Suez Canal in the process. A piece of land they can send unwanted immigrants to, and still maintain control over sea lanes and proximity to oil fields. Hmmmmm...

Crash course in oil and how it was a driving force in politics right before, during, and in the aftermath of WWI. Britain's, and to a lesser extent France's, involvement in the Middle East really paved the way for the world we live in today. Although infuriating, it was interesting to learn the history of oil and its commodification. Makes you wonder about current U.S. involvement in Venezuela...

Russia, France, and Britain banding together because Britain wanted to protect its economic interests in both India and the Persian Gulf. Tensions between Germany and France high after a war. Russia's alliance with Serbia pitting it (and thus Britain and France) against the Austro-Hungarian Empire (pulling in Germany). World War I happens, and empires begin to crumble in the aftermath as America gains prominence.

P.77
"In a world where religion seems to be the cause of conflict and bloodshed, it is easy to overlook the ways in which the great faiths learnt and borrowed from each other."