Syria has often lacked sympathetic observers. This book tries to interpret the country and its people in terms of how they see their own history and of what they are trying to achieve. More than a political or diplomatic history, it discusses the economy, society, education and culture to help the reader understand and explain modern Syria.

A description of the country deals with the physical and other factors which have influenced Syria's development. An historical survey concentrates mainly on the period after the Second World War and explains why a knowledge of Syrian history is...