The Political Regime In Syria - Book Report/Review Example

The Political Regime In Syria Syria is located at the heart of contemporary Middle Eastern political, social and economic issues. Complicated affairs did not pass unnoticed there, however, they remain superficially understood by western political figures, analysts and the general public. In his book Lawson (2009) attempts to present an uncommon approach to the key aspects of Syrian society, values, politics and economy. Lawson (2009) identifies the current trends in Syria and tries to place and find in them a broader contextual meaning. One of the most biting interpretations comes from the very representation of the cover. It shows a Syrian woman veiled who is walking along a street completely disregarding a photo by the young president Hafez al-Assad. The photo is lit up with neon lights reminding us of a Western movie opening. This image is somehow associated with the Western influence that Syria experienced in the political arena. In his review Dostal (2009) explains that Lawson (2009) starts his book with an overview of the internal political and economic liberalization. Hafez al-Assad, president of Syria for three decades turned back towards asserting the strict political control. The harsh political supervision in Syria was even more assertive after the US invaded Iraq in 2003 and openly demonstrated that Syria might be the next “victim” from the list of countries requiring change of regime (Dostal). Fortunately, this did not happen. However, after the US invasion of Iraq, Syria faced with more than 1 million refugees fleeing to Syria. Thus, the population in Syria began to recognize its internal stability even more than before. Therefore, the regime in Syria transformed its core concerns from improving its international stand to re-approaching countries like Turkey and France. Lawson (2009) addresses four major topics in modern Syrian affairs. They are the socioeconomic and legal power structures, religion/ ethnicity, the Syrian opposition, and Syria's foreign affairs. The book is organized in short edited essays referring to those issues. Even though they do not exhaust the themes, they provide a coherent overview of the modern Syrian life. Some of the essays analyze the shifting connections between the Baa-th party and the military forces, flourishing private sector and the ameliorating Turkish-Syrian relations, which had suffered a dramatic period. “The regime in Damascus experienced its darkest hours in the aftermath of Rafiq Hariri's assassination. Some of its members were convinced that it was indeed passing through its dying days (Lawson 168).” Lawson (2009) comments the events in Syria with an in-depth understanding about the complication situation there and taking into consideration all conflicts in the Middle Eastern region. In the first section based on the socio-economic power Lawson (2009) elaborates how the Syrian regime was formed on the coalition between the Alawy-led military forces and circles that support the traditional economic status quo, for example the Damascene Sunni merchants. Salwa Ismail (cited in Lawson) claims that this partnership between fractions of the traditional domestic capital and the government serves as the “structural foundation of authoritarianism in Syria”. “Political parties have always been the weakest link in the opposition. With the exception of the Kurdish parties, whose members are resoundingly nationalist, none has managed to plant roots in society. The most popular non-sectarian party's membership is less than 1,000, leaving active members vastly outnumbered by security agents (Lawson 124).” “Demystifying Syria” proves to be essential material for people interested both in Syria and in the pivotal and aggressively changing relations in the Middle Eastern countries. Lawson (2009) in his book refers to Bassam Haddad who claims that the local differentiation of the Syrian bourgeoisie perfectly matches the shifting regimes of the socio-economic perspectives. These transformations may ruin the established connections, and therefore assist in the creation of a new hegemony in power which is focused on the expanding capital and global tendencies. Haddad (Cited in Lawson) explains that there exists a historical compromise which results from the culminated relationships with the other Middle Eastern countries and their willingness to initiate “social market economy”. Even though the “social market economy” gained popularity the idea that the socialist regime could be totally abandoned was not embraced. Once closed, Syrians economy is breaking open. For the first time in decades there are plans for constructing private banks. Lawson (2009) traces the political development of Syria under Bashar al-Assad leadership. “With US policies being bludgeoned in Iraq, Lebanon and the occupied Palestinian territories, Bashar found he could afford to signal accommodation towards a future US administration: Syria has once again increased co-operation with US forces to secure the border with Iraq and declared its readiness to engage in direct talks with Israel provided there is US-French sponsorship for the implementation of a prospective agreement (Lawson 172).” Bashar al-Assad came into power in 2000. After releasing hundreds of political prisoners and easing media restrictions, Syrians took a deep breath towards their country following a course of stability. Focusing his reforms on the economic side rather than the political Damascus faced crucial moments and international pressure. After the assassination of the former Lebanese Prime Minister many international critics blamed Syria (Lawson). Tensions escalated when Syria continues to demonstrate its presence in Lebanon and its obvious support for the Palestinian military forces and riots in Iraq. “Any miscalculation involved the regime's failure to organize its withdrawal from Lebanon immediately after the fall of Bagdad. Otherwise, its foreign policy choice adheres to balancing and regime security predictions (Lawson 169).” Although, he tried to isolate himself from any conflict situations Bashar al-Assad could not avoid the pressuring international political situation. He sought to rebuild the relations with Egypt and Turkey and to reach a reasonable dialogue with Israel about the occupied Golan mountains. Bashar al-Assad expressed an open opposition to the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, which triggered international disapproval. “The crucial question of why increased US pressure on one of Turkey's long-time adversaries pulled Damascus and Ankara closer together, rather than driving the two governments farther apart, is posed but left unanswered (Lawson 181).” For a while authorities after June 2000 allowed intellectuals holding democratic viewpoints to publicly express their aspirations. However, several months later, the meetings were banned and refused licensing. Also, the initial independence of the media, began to be pressured and soon lost its free authority. Lawson (2009) attempts to handle with care Syria’s ambitions in Lebanon. The struggle of Lebanon to maintain its national identity and political independence on the international political arena was overshadowed by Syria’s hegemonic desires. Damascus had implemented prolonged and systematic military occupation over Lebanon since the 1970s, which completely altered the economic, social and political character of Syria. “Syria's Lebanon policy played a central role in the rehabilitation and perhaps Damascus learned belatedly that its Lebanese proxies can be far better assets than the heavy-handed tactics deployed by its own army and intelligence services. Bashar can take solace that against all expectations, the Baa-thi regime has survived and overcome challenges that, for the ruler of Damascus, must have felt like more than enough for a lifetime (Lawson 172).” During the occupation Syria applied a wide range of political tactics to transform Lebanon into a satellite. Thanks to Syria’s military control, repression of the media, and political penetration, Syria successfully voided Lebanon of its independence. On the theme of religious politics, Lawson (2009) refers to Thomas Pierret who gives insights into Sunni Clergy authorities and institutions. Moreover, Myriam Abasa delineates a picturesque description of the role and meaning of the newly erected Shii mausoleum in Raqqa, a city situated near the Iranian border. Abasa (cited in Lawson) describes that the mosque is a powerful symbol with geopolitical significance and strengthens the collaboration between Syria and Iran. Bassel Salloukh (cited in Lawson) disputes Syrian foreign policy in Lebanon and examines how Syria triumphed in affirming its influence in the neighbouring countries. References: Lawson, Fred. Demystifying Syria, Saqi Books. 2009 Dostal, Jorg Michael. Demystifying Syria, TSL Education Ltd. web. 2009. retrieved from http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?storyCode=408963§ioncode=26 Read More