Try GOLD - Free
Broken promises and failures Britain's role in the Middle East
The Guardian
|July 30, 2025
The former British prime minister Harold Macmillan once said that there was no problem in the Middle East because a problem has a solution.
Keir Starmer is the latest incumbent in No 10 to try to prove Macmillan wrong through a plan that has been described by Downing Street as a "pathway to peace". The record of Britain's interventions do not give many reasons for hope.
The 1917 Balfour declaration The commitment drafted by the British foreign secretary Sir Arthur James Balfour to "view with favour the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people" was integrated into Britain's UN mandate over Palestine between 1923 and 1948 and paved the way for the birth of Israel. The declaration contained a key qualification: nothing should be done to prejudice the "civil and religious rights" of Palestine's "existing non-Jewish communities". For many Palestinians, this part of the declaration is yet to be made good.
This story is from the July 30, 2025 edition of The Guardian.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Guardian
The Guardian
Celebrations after Hamas and Israel agree first phase of deal
Trump says final hostages could be free by 'Monday or Tuesday', Palestinians call for US to guarantee permanent end to war
5 mins
October 10, 2025
The Guardian
French court adds a year to sentence after appeal by Pelicot rapist fails
A man has been found guilty on appeal of raping Gisèle Pelicot after she was drugged unconscious by her husband - and has had his prison sentence increased to 10 years.
3 mins
October 10, 2025
The Guardian
Millions face higher water bills after regulator lets firms increase charges
Jasper Jolly Helena Horton
3 mins
October 10, 2025
The Guardian
'The hardest photos I ever had to take'
Two years of horror, destruction - and human connection
3 mins
October 10, 2025
The Guardian
Beyond the crisis talk Liverpool go to work and Jota is not there. Why would that not affect them?
A couple of weeks ago, Liverpool were on course to win the Premier League for the second season running and probably the Champions League too.
4 mins
October 10, 2025
The Guardian
Theatre review Sarandon shines in a slippery study of self
If there is something familiar about a play comprising disparate scenes from one woman's life, performed by five different actors, that is because it was the central conceit of Annie Ernaux's book The Years, adapted for stage last year.
2 mins
October 10, 2025
The Guardian
'For now, fear remains' Palestinians wait to see whether Gaza plan delivers peace
Yesterday morning, there was little joy in Gaza.
3 mins
October 10, 2025
The Guardian
Art review Heady mix in which art gets into your head like music
A giant sound system towers against green mountains in Peter Doig's painting Maracas, while a tiny man stands on a speaker-stack to reveal the monstrous scale.
3 mins
October 10, 2025
The Guardian
Ex-Radio 1 DJ charged with four counts of rape
The former Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood has been charged with sexual offences against seven women, including four counts of rape.
2 mins
October 10, 2025
The Guardian
England off to a flyer Watkins on target as early goals stun Wales
Spurs’ 100m cash boost arrives with more to come’
1 mins
October 10, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size