Percy Cox
Sir Percy Zachariah Cox (1864 – 1937) was a British Indian Army officer, colonial administrator, and diplomat, primarily known for his role in shaping the modern Middle East, particularly after World War I. He served in British India, Somaliland, and the Persian Gulf, becoming a key figure in British policy in the region.
Cox's career highlights include:
- India: Early service in the Indian Army, providing him with a foundation in military administration and experience in dealing with diverse populations.
- Somaliland: Serving as British Resident in Somaliland, he gained experience in dealing with tribal politics and frontier administration.
- Persian Gulf: His long association with the Persian Gulf region was pivotal. He served as British Political Resident in the Persian Gulf from 1904 to 1914 and again from 1920 to 1923. In this role, he exerted considerable influence over the region's affairs.
- World War I: During World War I, he served as Chief Political Officer of the Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force. He played a crucial role in managing relations with local Arab tribes and administering occupied territories.
- Post-War Settlement: Cox was instrumental in the post-World War I settlement of the Middle East. He chaired the Cairo Conference of 1921 and played a key role in establishing the borders of Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. He also facilitated the selection of Faisal I as King of Iraq.
- Anglo-Iraqi Treaty of 1922: He negotiated the Anglo-Iraqi Treaty of 1922, which granted Iraq nominal independence under British mandate.
Cox's legacy is complex. He is viewed by some as a skilled diplomat and administrator who helped to stabilize the Middle East in a period of great upheaval. Others criticize him for imposing artificial boundaries and supporting regimes that ultimately served British interests at the expense of local populations. His actions had a lasting impact on the political landscape of the region, shaping the borders and power structures that continue to influence the Middle East today.