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 29
... towns. In Lebanon where the mountains rise above Beirut, many city dwellers enjoy the drier, cooler air of mountain villages as a relief from the city. In Syria the mountains are much less accessible to the urban population. The desert ...
... Towns and Cities - Just as there is no single river uniting Syria , so the towns and cities have served as focuses for regional rather than national loyalty . Damascus , the capital , is one of a number of cities competing for loyalty ...
... town when imperial authority passed to Baghdad. Damascus fell under the rule of various foreign and local dynasties, some members of which added to the buildings of the city, but who more often caused damage. Because of the uncertainty ...
... towns dating back to antiquity. Horns is the centre of an intensively cultivated area in the Orontes valley and is ... towns have been the bases of important families in Syrian politics and therefore are also rivals to Damascus. Islam ...
... towns of Mecca and Medina in present day Saudi Arabia. His message was a simple faith – obedience to God (Allah) and his Prophet, strict observance of the practices and rituals of the community as laid down in God's word – the Quran ...
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 | |