This chapter delves into Syria's tumultuous history post-independence, exploring the impact of three coups in 1949 and the involvement of the US government in the first coup. It discusses the colonial legacy, weak infrastructure post-colonialism, and the CIA's motives for supporting a pro-Western government in Syria to ensure control over oil resources and regional geopolitics during the Cold War era.
Featuring Abdel Razzaq Takriti, this is the FIFTH episode of Thawra (Revolution), our rolling mini-series on Arab radicalism in the 20th century. Today’s installment lays out the early years of a struggle for Syria that would decisively shape the Arab world: the fight for independence from France, the first (CIA-backed) coup of 1949, and the rise of the Ba’ath and Communist movements.
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