Review
"A devastating critique of one-party rule and unchecked power, and a stirring vindication of Syria's courageous civil society movement."--Rana Kabbani
"Based ... on personal interviews with Syrians directly involved in contemporary developments there, as well as on an awareness of the Syrian reality developed over many years, this book illuminates the real crisis that Syria faces as it tries to restructure the monolithic legacy of the late President Hafiz al-Assad.:--George Joffe, Cambridge University
"This searing documentary takes the reader on a chilling tour inside Syrian politics, the actions of a courageous civil society, and the reactions by abusive power holders. It is an astounding record and at the same time a disturbingly beautiful book."--Lotte Leicht, Brussels Director, Human Rights Watch
Review
"A devastating critique of one-party rule and unchecked power, and a stirring vindication of Syria's courageous civil society movement."--Rana Kabbani
"Based ... on personal interviews with Syrians directly involved in contemporary developments there, as well as on an awareness of the Syrian reality developed over many years, this book illuminates the real crisis that Syria faces as it tries to restructure the monolithic legacy of the late President Hafiz al-Assad.:--George Joffe, Cambridge University
"This searing documentary takes the reader on a chilling tour inside Syrian politics, the actions of a courageous civil society, and the reactions by abusive power holders. It is an astounding record and at the same time a disturbingly beautiful book."--Lotte Leicht, Brussels Director, Human Rights Watch
Book Description
Based on the testimony of key players, Syria: Neither Bread nor Freedom recounts the drama of the "Damascus Spring" and its repression, and reveals what happens in a state like Syria to the institutions that occupy the political space between government and governed. From political parties to parliament; from the media to the judicial system and universities, the official veil of rhetoric and propaganda is lifted to reveal a system so demoralized and corrupted that power is wielded for no purpose but power itself; a system which, as Bashar al-Assad himself is discovering, is virtually incapable of reform.
About the Author
Alan George is a freelance journalist and researcher, contributing to a wide range of UK and international publications including The Observer, The Independent and The Guardian, and commentating on Middle Eastern affairs for radio and television.
Syria: Neither Bread nor Freedom FROM THE PUBLISHER
Based on the testimony of key players, Syria: Neither Bread nor Freedom recounts the drama of the "Damascus Spring" and its repression, and reveals what happens in a state like Syria to the institutions that occupy the political space between government and governed. From political parties to parliament; from the media to the judicial system and universities, the official veil of rhetoric and propaganda is lifted to reveal a system so demoralized and corrupted that power is wielded for no purpose but power itself; a system which, as Bashar al-Assad himself is discovering, is virtually incapable of reform.