Inheriting Syria : Bashar's trial by fire /
Leverett, Flynt Lawrence.
Washington, D.C. : Brookings Institution Press,
c2005.
"A detailed analytic portrait of Syria under the Asad dynasty, offering a new strategy for achieving American foreign policy and security objectives in the Middle East, largely independent of the Arab-Israeli peace process"--Provided by publisher.
Syria has long been a paradox for U.S. policymakers. The country's weak economy, diverse population, and vulnerable geographic position would be expected to minimize its clout in the Middle East. But under long-time dictator Hafiz al-Asad and his son and successor Bashar, Syria continues to be a major regional actor, even more significant as America considers long-term involvement in Iraq. Since the death of Hafiz al-Asad in 2000 and the transfer of power to Bashar, debate on Syria's place in the region has been renewed. Western consensus on how to deal with the Syrian leadership has been thrown further into doubt. This book fills the void with a detailed analytic portrait of the Syrian regime under the leadership of the Asad dynasty and the strategic legacy bequeathed from father to son.--From publisher description.
"A detailed analytic portrait of Syria under the Asad dynasty, offering a new strategy for achieving American foreign policy and security objectives in the Middle East, largely independent of the Arab-Israeli peace process"--Provided by publisher.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
The Syrian paradox -- Hafiz's legacy, Bashar's inheritance -- Bashar and the possibilities of domestic reform -- Bashar and Syria's place in the regional order -- Options and recommendations for U.S. policy.
Syria has long been a paradox for U.S. policymakers. The country's weak economy, diverse population, and vulnerable geographic position would be expected to minimize its clout in the Middle East. But under long-time dictator Hafiz al-Asad and his son and successor Bashar, Syria continues to be a major regional actor, even more significant as America considers long-term involvement in Iraq. Since the death of Hafiz al-Asad in 2000 and the transfer of power to Bashar, debate on Syria's place in the region has been renewed. Western consensus on how to deal with the Syrian leadership has been thrown further into doubt. This book fills the void with a detailed analytic portrait of the Syrian regime under the leadership of the Asad dynasty and the strategic legacy bequeathed from father to son.--From publisher description.
Assad, Bashar, 1965-
Geopolitics