One of the most striking recent developments in the modern Middle East has been the transformation of Syria under Hafez al-Assad from a weak vulnerable and internally divided state to a leading regional power. While this is increasingly acknowledged by observers of the Middle Eastern scene the scholarly discussion of the origins the scope the durability and the implications of this change is only beginning to take place. Syria Under Assad addresses itself to this discussion. Based on a carefully selected collection of original articles this volume focuses on the elements of Syriaâs power on Syriaâs relations with each of its neighbours as well as on Syriaâs relations with the superpowers. In the final analysis conclude the editors Syrian policies appear paradoxical. Its conduct ever since the advent of Hafez al-Assad exhibits subtle and hard-nosed pragmatism. Yet in order to consolidate the domestic legitimacy of the Alawi Baâathist regime Syria has been impelled to articulate its foreign policy goals in the far-flung rhetoric of the Baâathist ideology. As a result Syria is widely perceived of as a menace and treated as such it often responds in kind. . Language: English