Download The Alawis of Syria: War, Faith and Politics in the Levant (Urban Conflicts, Divided Societies) PDF EPUB
Author: Author
Pages: 384
Size: 1.750,64 Kb
Publication Date: December 1,2015
Category: Shi’ism
Through the entire turbulent history of the Levant the ‘Alawis - a secretive, resilient and ancient Muslim sect - have aroused suspicion and animosity, including accusations of religious heresy. Recently they have already been tarred with the brush of political separatism and complicity in the excesses of the Assad regime, claims which have gained better traction because the onset of the Syrian uprising and subsequent devastating civil battle. The analysis also reaches Lebanon with a concentrate on the embattled ‘Alawi community of Jabal Mohsen in Tripoli and condition relations with Hizballah amid the existing crisis. Among the styles addressed are spiritual practice, public identities, and relations to the Ba’ath party, the Syrian condition and the armed service apparatus. Drawing upon wide-ranging study that examines the historical, political and interpersonal dynamics of the ‘Alawi and the Syrian condition, the existing tensions are scrutinised and refreshing insights provided.
The contributors to the book provide a complicated and nuanced reading of Syria’s ‘Alawi communities -from loyalist gangs (Shabiha) to outspoken critics of the regime.