Revolt in Syria
Subtitle: eye-witness to the uprising
By: Stephen Starr
Publisher: Columbia University Press; Brand: Columbia University Press
Published: 2012
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 256
ISBN-13: 9780231704205
Subjects: Politics and government; Protest movements; Journalists; Travel; Social conditions; Political violence; Biography; History
Description: The author delves deep into the lives of Syrians whose destiny has been shaped by the Syrian state for almost fifty years. In conversations with people from all strata of Syrian society, he draws together and makes sense of perspectives illustrating why Syria, with its numerous sects and religions, was so prone to violence and civil strife. Through his unique access to a country largely cut off from the international media during the unrest, the author delivers compelling first hand testimony from both those who suffered and benefited most at the hands of the regime. Revolt details why many Syrians wanted Assad's government to stay as the threat of civil war loomed large, the long-standing gap between the state apparatus and its people and why the country's youth stood up decisively for freedom. He also sets out the positions adhered to by the country's minorities and explains why many Syrians believe that enforced regime change might precipitate a region-wide conflict.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: Damascus : dragged towards revolt; title: The minorities and Syria's revolt; title: Lies, half-truths and videos : the media and the uprising; title: The gap between state and society; title: Revolution through the eyes of the rich and poor; title: The uprising and Syria's youth; title: Being a foreigner, a resident and a journalist in the revolt; title: History, blame and responsibility.