ASAD: The Sphinx of Damascus

by Moshe Ma'oz ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 1, 1988

A biography of the Syrian leader by Israeli professor and historian Ma'oz (Syria Under Asad, 1986). Hafiz al Asad's story is the stuff of legend. Born into a poor peasant family (named Wahsh, meaning ""wild beast,"" which he changed to Asad, meaning ""lion"") of the Alawite sect (which formed only 12% of Syria's population), Asad nevertheless managed to achieve an unprecedented rise to the top position in his nation, ruling over the predominantly Sunni Muslim country for the past 18 years--longer than any previous regime in Syria's modern history. Ma'oz documents how, in that time, Asad has managed to: eliminate the Sunni urban oligarchy, replacing it with a new political elite of mostly lower-class young people from villages and small towns; and, transform Syria from a weak and vulnerable state into a strong, stable; and assertive one. In defiance of Sadat's peace attempts in 1979, Asad has attempted to replace Egypt's predominance in Arab politics with an all-Arab confrontational approach with Israel. Ma'oz demonstrates, too, how Asad has engineered some remarkable regional and big-power manipulations, such as using substantial Soviet aid while standing firm with them and forcing the US to acknowledge Syria's influence in Lebanon. The author also shows how these accomplishments have been engineered practically single-handedly by Asad. ""He is as close to a one-person regime as one can envision, the almighty of Syria."" Though Asad is still only 58, Ma'oz looks ahead to a future without him, but finds no one in the wings capable of building on Asad's triumphs. Despite Ma'oz's Israeli roots, he undertakes this work in an unbiased manner, in keeping with his scholarly approach. A brief history of Syria and of the Alawite people provides a valuable perspective for the rest of the book.

Pub Date: July 1, 1988

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1988

Categories: NONFICTION