Syria 1945-1986 (RLE Syria): Politics and SocietySyria has often lacked sympathetic observers. This book tries to interpret the country and its people in terms of how they see their own history and of what they are trying to achieve. More than a political or diplomatic history, it discusses the economy, society, education and culture to help the reader understand and explain modern Syria. A description of the country deals with the physical and other factors which have influenced Syria’s development. An historical survey concentrates mainly on the period after the Second World War and explains why a knowledge of Syrian history is important and why Syrians look at their history in the way they do. The achievements, problems and failures of President Asad are fully discussed. Further chapters explain the ideological factors which have been of vital importance in Syrian politics, the development of education, the economy and society. The author looks at examples of contemporary Syrian literature and the way in which writers view the problems of their society and culture. This is a clear, succinct and readable account of modern Syria which will be essential for all those studying the Middle East, the developing world or international relations. |
From inside the book
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... Christianity flourished in the city under the Byzantines until AD 643 when invading Arab armies from central Arabia conquered the city once and for all in the name of Islam . The Greeks and Romans gave the ancient city its basic.
... Christians, Jews and Muslims lived in their separate areas. This development gave the old city its 'Middle Eastern ... Christian quarter while the old town began to empty and new quarters grew up, particularly on the slopes of the ...
... Christians) as an essential part of the country's heritage. As in the West, religious festivals may be observed with scant conviction but in Syria Islam is widely and sincerely observed and there are now clear signs of a re-appreciation ...
... Christian elements. They deify Ali and are very secretive about their practices, which they refuse to explain to outsiders. They claim they are Muslim but some strict Sunnis do not recognize them as such. Their present importance ...
... Christian Arab had to emphasize what united him with rather than divided him from the other Arabs. This could be done in several ways: by invoking common race, language or nationality, by showing what Islam and Christianity had in ...
Contents
1935 | |
Independence 19451970 | 1945 |
Syria under Asad 19711986 | 18 |
Politics and Ideologies | |
The Search for Economic Progress | |
The Pursuit of Education | |
The Growth of Culture | |
People and Society | |
Conclusion | |
Index | |