Iraq's history may have been a little different without British intervention but there would have been a similiar entity there. The region's history is too long and distinguished for there not to be. At one time the entire middle east was ruled from Baghdad. Since cities define civilizations and cultures Baghdad's existence ensured a political entity based upon it.
Yes, odds are it would still be part of the Ottoman Empire as the Empire continued to modernize in its later years Hey wait, a unified nation ruled from Constantinople (Istanbul) that had shown signs of leaning West? Imagine that.
At one time the entire middle east was ruled from Baghdad.
Again, a unified nation ruled from one location that held the different religions in check? Nah, that would never work....Baghdad was the capital of its province of the Ottoman Empire
Since cities define civilizations and cultures Baghdad's existence ensured a political entity based upon it.
Indeed it did. Baghdad had been part of the Empire from the 16th century. But not a political entity forced upon it by former colonial powers that happened to be victors in a war extended by someone deluded enough to believe the rest of the world 'needed' our form of government. And I'm talking about Wilson here (I know the similarities are too close but hey see my tag line)