How did european colonialism lay the groundwork for the emergence of the modern middle east?

Without the context of the history in the middle east an understanding of political dynamics are limited in scope. The political institutions today in the middle east have actually been in the making for hundreds of years now. Many of the imperialist powers who have controlled the middle east over thee centuries have used sectarian violence and animosity to their own advantage.

Democracy and darwinism would be my answer.