Would the World Benefit More if the Ottoman Empire still Existed

This is something I have been thinking about for some years and I actually got into a debate someone on my debate.org account on this issue:

http://www.debate.org/debates/It-wo...ttoman-Empire-still-ruled-the-Middle-East./1/

If feel that if you specifically put the Ottoman Empire at its pre-World War 1 borders, Middle Eastern countries like Syria, Palestine, and Iraq would be all under one banner and I feel that there would be more order. The empire was more friendly to Jews and Christians for its life time however, it did have some dark sides like the Armenian Massacre however, that was started by three radical officials within the government who ran it known as the Three Pashas.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Pashas

However, the Ottoman Empire was open to religion during its lifetime.

http://www.globaled.org/nyworld/materials/ottoman/turkish.html

I also feel that the Ottoman Empire would have a better relationship with Europe just as Turkey in a way like its possibly entry into the EU. The Ottomans did help various European nations in wars and played an important role for Europe. Also, back when Iran was Persia they got in some wars with the Ottomans so it is possible to day Iran and the Ottoman Empire would not be on good terms.

What do you all think?

I'm skeptical. Multi-religious and ethnic empires don't really bring up a picture of long-term stability to me, especially when they had to face economic disaster.

Edit:
Didn't the Arabs hate the Turks? I'm not really sure on that one, I don't know much about the Ottoman Empire other then the basics.

Well, if you're insisting on the Ottoman Empire ruling over all of the Middle East, and by benefiting the world you mean exploiting the Empire, than it might work, but not for the Ottomans. But seriously, no it would not be a good idea at all.

Well the Question is could the Ottomans have lasted even with a central victory in the first great war, nationalism was on the rise and unless the Germans placed some huge financial investments into keeping the Ottomans afloat they would still lose alot of there direct territory and without the western powers to split it up with the hashemite clan (later getting overthrown and resulting in the entire middle east mess we have now) but as I see it the ottoman could not have survived unless they litterly became a puppet state to Germany to which it would be better to let them die and do what the French/British did and colonize them that way.

Though it would be interesting what would have happen with all the local clans that rose up during this time, like the house of saud. (Saudi arabia)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arab_Revolt

Modern times: we are seeing a rise of Turkey as a regional power once again, should be interesting to watch how they deal with Iran and the Kurdish issue.

Perhaps you could go more in depth?

I just don't see a feasible possibility for the Ottomans to survive, the only difference is the Germans get the awards of there demise.

Could you perhaps explain in more detail?

Yeah those guys who wanted to conquer and enslave the Europians should be kept around.

Why don't you address what other people said.

Stop ignoring the other points.

If nothing else, Osama Bin Laden claimed that the fall of the Ottoman Empire was a major motivating factor behind some of his views. So i'd say a strong Muslim country/empire could have significantly curbed Islamic extremism. Maybe.

Hardly. He probably would've been a pro-arab in this old as shit empire that should've collapsed.

Kaiserreich would happen.

The days of Empires were over at the end of the Great War, and it should stay that way. In no reasonable alternative could I see a living, happy Ottoman empire, it would fall eventually. Whether or not it helps people within it or outside it is of question, and I think this would only lead to another massive war, instead of an invasion to rid a small insurgency, like Afghanistan. It wouldn't help anything.

I think he wants to single me out, so that he may have an opportunity to bash me in any way possible. Also, writing it twice should be treated as a double post.

Maybe, but I don't want to assume.

Actually, I have been busy, but I have taken other people's opinions into consideration. I had the laptop ready to go the forum for some time however. But, usually at the debates we give details and sources, I thought a forum would be similar to that.

I think that in order for the empire to survive they would need strict and radical reform and to stay out of World War 1. I was however, aiming for what it would be like if they survived not how.

Well, I don't see this as being such a rigid environment. And personally I prefer it that way. With what little I post it still feels like a discussion with friends rather than a formal debate.

But nonetheless, using links and sources can never hurt.

Rome was a multi ethnic/religious empire, and no other empire has lasted longer then rome.

But a healthy ottoman empire still around today? Yea in terms of stability for the region it would be better(they would of had to heavily reform everything, military, how they governed their provinces etc.) For the ottomans to survive, it would have to have been a central victory in WWI, and then Germany & Austria(assuming neither would take advantage of th instabilty) would have to finance the empire until it was at least somewhat stable. These actions alone would drastically change history, The central powers would thrive, the US would not rise to it's position of power, the cold war would either not happen or have been totally different.
The middle east would benefit from a healthy Ottoman state, I don't think Islamic extremism would be nearly as prominent as it is today (a healthy, prosperous middle east kind a makes it hard for religous extremists to blame the west for everything).
So, to sum this shit up, Kaiserreich would happen.