The Muslim Brotherhood in Syria
The Muslim Brotherhood in Syria
Having played a role in every iteration of Syrian politics since the country gained independence in 1946, the Muslim Brotherhood were the most prominent opposition group in Syria on the eve of the 2011 uprising. But when unrest broke out in March 2011, few Brotherhood flags and slogans were to be found within the burgeoning protest movement. Drawing on extensive primary research including interviews with Brotherhood members, Dara Conduit looks to the group's history to understand why it failed to capitalise on this advantage as the conflict unfolded, addressing significant gaps in accounts of the group's past to assess whether its reputation for violence and dogmatism is justified. In doing so, Conduit reveals a party that was neither as violent nor as undemocratic as expected, but whose potential to stage a long-awaited comeback was hampered by the shadow of its own history.
- An overdue examination of the Syrian arm of the Muslim Brotherhood
- Draws on extensive primary research including interviews with members of the Brotherhood
- Methodically covers significant gaps in the knowledge about the group's history to inform present-day understanding of its role in the 2011 Syrian Uprising
Reviews & endorsements
'The Muslim Brotherhood [in Syria] is essential reading, not merely because of the comprehensive and thoroughly researched history it provides, but because of its thematic approach to explaining its subject-matter’s behavior … Dara Conduit has produced a timely and brilliantly written book on a critical actor in Syria.' Sam Biasi, International Affairs
'Dara Conduit’s meticulous and insightful study is crucial for understanding the Brotherhood’s history and its trajectory since 2011. It is essential reading for all those interested in Islamist movements in the Arab world, and a significant contribution to the literature on contemporary Syrian politics.' Steven Heydemann, Professor of Middle East Studies, Smith College, Massachusetts
'This book provides an invaluable insight into the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood and shrewdly places its recent role in the Syrian conflict in context. Conduit has done a great service in authoring this indispensable guide.' Charles Lister, Senior Fellow and Director of Countering Terrorism & Extremism, Middle East Institute
'Dara Conduit dissects the fascinating history of a group that has emerged as the great survivor of Syrian politics, wriggling its way through parliamentary rule, dictatorship, exile, and war - forever locked out of power, forever seeking a new way in.' Aron Lund, Fellow, The Century Foundation
Product details
September 2019Paperback
9781108731287
286 pages
228 × 152 × 16 mm
0.42kg
6 tables
Available
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Part I. The History of the Muslim Brotherhood in Syria:
- 1. A brief history of Syria and the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood
- 2. The Syrian Muslim Brotherhood's founding ideas
- 3. The Brotherhood's political experiences
- 4. The Muslim Brotherhood in Syria and violence
- 5. International relations and exile
- Part II. The Syrian Uprising:
- 6. The Brotherhood re-enters the political fray
- 7. Looking beyond the opposition in exile
- 8. Military uprising
- Conclusion.
