What was the Sykes picot accord in the middle east?

The Sykes-Picot Agreement, concluded in 1916 during World War I, was a secret diplomatic accord between Britain and France, with the assent of Russia, that outlined the division of the Ottoman Empire's territories in the Middle East. It effectively carved up the region into zones of British and French influence, disregarding the aspirations of local populations for self-determination. The agreement laid the groundwork for modern borders in the Middle East, leading to lasting geopolitical tensions. Its revelation in 1917 fueled Arab disillusionment, as it contradicted promises made to Arab leaders for independence.