Syria 2011-2013: Revolution and Tyranny before the Mayhem

Azmi Bishara's book on the Syrian Revolution is a comprehensive and profound work that examines the complex roots of Syria's political and sectarian conflicts from the day the revolution erupted on 15th March 2011 to its descent into civil war in the two years that followed. The book unearths and discusses the first signs of protests from across Daraa, Hama, Aleppo, Damascus, Raqqa, Deir El Zour, Edlib, and Homs, and deals with Syria's ruralization process and the subsequent economic liberalization that led to the revolt against the Baath party. Bishara's analysis first centers on the regime's strategy, unveiling despotism, massacres, kidnapping, sectarian tendencies, jihadist violence, the emergence of warlords, and the chaotic spread of arms. He then turns to the role of the opposition to narrate the events that broke out and how a peaceful protest turned into an armed struggle. The book provides a roadmap to how the revolution broke out and is a comprehensive analysis of what drove those early events. Its publication brings renowned Arabic-language scholarship to the English-speaking world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 29 December 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Azmi Bishara's book on the Syrian Revolution is a groundbreaking and comprehensive work on the subject, offering a deep insight into the complex roots of Syria's political and sectarian conflicts. Translated into English for the first time, this study explores the trajectory of the revolution from its eruption on March 15, 2011, to its descent into civil war in the two years that followed. Through extensive research and analysis, Bishara uncovers and discusses the early signs of protests that emerged across various regions of Syria, including Daraa, Hama, Aleppo, Damascus, Raqqa, Deir El Zour, Edlib, and Homs. He also delves into the process of ruralization and economic liberalization that ultimately led to the revolt against the Baath party regime.

The book is based on high-level interviews, a thorough examination of Syria's socio-economic background, and a critical analysis of the regime's strategy and political discourse. Bishara's analysis spans two stages: the peaceful civil stage and the armed stage. In the first part, he delves into the regime's tactics, exposing the prevalence of despotism, massacres, kidnapping, sectarian tendencies, jihadist violence, the rise of warlords, and the chaotic spread of arms. He then shifts his focus to the opposition, providing a detailed account of the events that unfolded and the transition from peaceful protests to armed struggle.

The book serves as a valuable roadmap to understanding how the revolution broke out and provides a comprehensive analysis of the factors that drove those early events. Its publication brings renowned Arabic-language scholarship to the English-speaking world, expanding the reach and impact of academic discourse on the Syrian crisis. Bishara's work is a testament to the power of scholarship and the importance of shedding light on the complexities of the Syrian conflict.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780755645428