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
Results 1-5 of 86
... and the historical reasons for this behaviour. It has not been written as propaganda or to elicit sympathy. Syria is in many ways a difficult country to write about. Its policy and aims are clear, yet the methods adopted to further them ...
... and the West Bank of the Jordan under Israeli occupation. It can be roughly defined geographically. In the north stretch the Taurus mountains in Turkey; to the west is the Mediterranean coast; to the east and south are deserts in which ...
... and the Jaulan Heights.1 The Hauran , treeless with few springs but abundant wheat and pasture , rises again in the east to become the Druze mountain , a high volcanic region . Between the two long ranges of mountains lies a rift valley ...
... and the desert. The contrasts between the two influences are modified by the ranges of mountains running parallel to the coast. There are high rainfall and humidity by the sea and high temperatures which reach 30°C in the summer. Heat ...
... and the desert area to the south . Damascus rightly claims to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world . Known in the days of Abraham it appears in the Old Testament and was in the eighth century BC a dependency ...
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 | |