James A. Reilly
Fragile Nation, Shattered Land
The Modern History of Syria
Lynne Rienner, 2018
What's inside?
Political dysfunction is nothing new in Syria, long a land of coups and autocracy.
Recommendation
The death and destruction in Syria has grabbed headlines across the world. But for many outside the Middle East, the details of this nation’s culture and history remain obscure. Historian James Reilly explains the backstory in this study of the past century of Syrian nation-building. Reilly describes misguided colonialism, a brief and disastrous union with Egypt and nearly half a century of police-state rule under two generations of Assads. His writing style is dry, but this account provides important background that illuminates more compelling accounts of Syria’s bloodshed.
Summary
About the Author
James A. Reilly is professor of history at the University of Toronto. His previous books include A Small Town in Syria and The Ottoman Cities of Lebanon.
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