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The Ottoman Empire was good for the Arabs

Some historians have suggested that the Arabs were better off under the Ottoman Empire, which ruled from 1299 until 1923, than they have been since. They argue that the Turkish regime, which at its height controlled vast tracts of Southeastern Europe, Western Asia and North Africa and reached as far as the gates of Vienna, was a well developed and highly effective system of government whose tolerant approach to religious beliefs represented a precursor to modern-day multiculturalism. Some suggest that the Arab countries have been let down by their own leaders, who have taken back control since the fall of the Empire.

Others argue, however, that the Ottoman Empire was flexible but weak, and that its impact on the Arab countries was largely illusory. Some suggest that the Ottomans were not as tolerant as many think, pointing out that discrimination against Christians and other non-Muslims still occurred under their system, and that, since the fall of the empire, Arab countries have developed a sense of identity and independence that they previously lacked.