British Policy towards the Syrian Crisis 1860

Abstract

Britain expressed its interest in Al- Sham Area “Syria” because it is

located on the road of transport to India, so Britain was not satisfied with

the growth of the French power in this area which increased through the

protection of Maronites in Lebanon and all the Christians in Syria in its

capacity as a protector of Catholic Christians in the East for several centuries.

This was a reason why the British Government hurried up in order to support

the Druze to parallel the support of France to Maronites in order not to let

the French power overcomes the British power in this area.When the war

took place between Maronites and Druze’s in Lebanon and was transferred

to Damascus to be shifted to conflict between Muslims and Christians,

Britain supported the Druze Military and politically and did its best to let

them realize their interests at the expense of Maronites and all the Christians

supported by France.The Question was a conflict of power, between Britain

and France on this important area of the world, which serve the interests of

both parties.Despite the interference of Ottoman State which succeeded to

subside this sedition that stormed this area, the conflict of power and interests

between Britain and France lasted for scores of coming years between the

two countries.