Why Syria matters -- The world's most unstable country, 1946-1970 -- Assad's system, then and now -- Against all neighbors -- Surviving the 1990s -- Dictator and Son, Inc. -- The great challenge at home -- Turning the tables -- The counterattack -- The abyss beckons.
Summary
With its mix of competing religious and ethnic groups, radical ideologies, and political repression, Syria is a 72,000-square-mile time bomb waiting to go off. Middle East expert Barry Rubin looks at the critical issues that have made this country the powderkeg of the Middle East and offers an insightful analysis of the effects of recent developments. - Publisher.
