The Uqair Agreement: A Historic Treaty Between Saudi Arabia and Iraq

The Uqair Agreement, also known as the Uqair Protocol, is a landmark treaty signed between Saudi Arabia and Iraq in 1922. It marked a significant shift in the relations between the two countries and helped to delineate their borders, which had been disputed for many years. In this article, we will examine the Uqair Agreement and explore its historical and political significance.

Background

The border between Saudi Arabia and Iraq had been the source of tension and conflict for many years before the signing of the Uqair Agreement. This was largely due to a lack of clear understanding between the two countries regarding territorial boundaries. The dispute came to a head in 1913, when the Ottoman Empire, which then controlled both countries, tried to settle the issue through a series of diplomatic negotiations. However, these negotiations failed to yield any concrete results.

The Treaty

In 1922, representatives from Saudi Arabia and Iraq met in the town of Uqair, located on the coast of the Persian Gulf. The purpose of the meeting was to negotiate a settlement of the border dispute. After several weeks of negotiations, the two sides signed the Uqair Agreement. The treaty established the border between Saudi Arabia and Iraq, which has remained largely unchanged to this day.

The Significance of the Uqair Agreement

The Uqair Agreement was significant for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it helped to establish a clear boundary between Saudi Arabia and Iraq, which had been a source of tension between the two countries for many years. Secondly, it marked a turning point in the relationship between the two countries. Prior to the signing of the agreement, Saudi Arabia and Iraq had been hostile towards one another. However, the treaty opened the door for improved ties between the two countries, which would eventually become allies in the fight against Iran during the Iran-Iraq War.

Additionally, the Uqair Agreement had wider implications for the region as a whole. It was one of the first treaties to be signed in the aftermath of World War I, and it was seen as a model for future boundary settlements in the Middle East. The treaty demonstrated that it was possible for neighboring countries to reach agreements on territorial disputes without resorting to violence.

Conclusion

The Uqair Agreement was an important moment in the history of Saudi Arabia and Iraq. It helped to establish a clear boundary between the two countries and opened the door for improved relations. Moreover, it was a model for future boundary settlements in the Middle East. While the treaty may be less well-known than other treaties in the region, its significance should not be overlooked. The Uqair Agreement remains an important historical document that continues to shape the political landscape of the Middle East.