Nevertheless, for the purpose of analysing the Middle Eastern political
systems of the post-First World War period, a useful starting point is provided by
the observation that there existed a particular pattern of control known as the
‘colonial state’.2 This can then be used to highlight a number of general features
that shaped the exercise of power and defined the political arena in most of the
countries created or dominated by the Europeans. I will group these features
under three headings: central administration; the policies of the colonial power;
and colonialism as a conduit for external influences.