Damascus Between Democracy and Dictatorship

by Sami M. Moubayed

Overview

Between 1949 and 1957, ten coups shook Syria. Each attempt to overthrow the government was led by powers sympathetic to either the Soviet Union or the United States. Damascus Between Democracy and Dictatorship details the oscillations that rocked the Arab region during this transitional period, ultimately destroying Syria's chances for a stable democracy. Different levels of struggle are analyzed within the context of global Cold War politics, and the roles of specific leaders are critiqued.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780761817444
Publisher:	University Press of America
Publication date:	10/11/2000
Pages:	248
Product dimensions:	6.06(w) x 9.32(h) x 0.71(d)

About the Author

Sami M. Moubayed is a Political Analyst at the Arab Political Document Center at the American University of Beirut.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Preface Chapter 2 Acknowledgments Chapter 3 Introduction Chapter 4 The Palestinian Interlude Chapter 5 Fall of the Syrian Democracy Chapter 6 The Rule of Husni Al-Zaiim Chapter 7 Parliamentary Democracy Chapter 8 Return of the Military Chapter 9 Adib Al-Shishakli Chapter 10 Turning Back the Clock Chapter 11 Preparing for Elections Chapter 12 End of the Atassi Era Chapter 13 Ascent of Shukri Al-Kuwatly Chapter 14 Honeymoon with Egypt Chapter 15 Prelude to Union Chapter 16 Key Personalities Chapter 17 Bibliography Chapter 18 Index

Editorial Reviews

The work suggests that Moubayed was privy to inside information, as his critical and unorthodox approach and listing of detail that one cannot readily find in other works on Syria makes apparent.

Choice Reviews

The work suggests that Moubayed was privy to inside information, as his critical and unorthodox approach and listing of detail that one cannot readily find in other works on Syria makes apparent.

CHOICE

The work suggests that Moubayed was privy to inside information, as his critical and unorthodox approach and listing of detail that one cannot readily find in other works on Syria makes apparent.

Choice

Explains how Syrian democrats fell from grace and how in their place rose the dictators of the 1950s. Contains chapters on the Palestinian interlude, the fall of the Syrian democracy, the rule and downfall of Husni Al-Zaiim, and parliamentary democracy. Describes the return of the military, examines the influence of Adib Al-Shishakli, and chronicles the end of the Atassi era, the ascent of Shukri Al-Kuwatly, the honeymoon with Egypt, and the period before union. Includes b&w historical photos, and brief notes on key personalities. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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