Jacobin Radio Dig: Thawra Ep. 5 - The Struggle for Syria
Mar 23, 2024
Abdel Razzaq Takriti, a historian specializing in Arab revolutionary movements, discusses Syria's tumultuous political journey from colonial rule to independence. He highlights the emergence of the Ba'ath and Communist movements and explores the chaos of military coups in 1949, underlining U.S. intervention's role. Takriti delves into the struggle for national identity and the impact of external powers on Syria’s political fabric, providing insights into a pivotal era that shaped the Arab world.
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French Colonial Divide and Rule
- French colonial rule in Syria was imposed through harsh military actions and efforts to divide ethnic and religious groups.
- These divides weakened national unity and complicated post-independence state formation.
French Attack Spurs Syrian Revolt
- The 1945 French military attack on the Syrian parliament sparked widespread anti-colonial revolt.
- This massacre forced Britain to pressure France into withdrawing troops from Syria.
Syria's Early Political Elite
- Syria's first post-independence leaders were mostly elite families dominating cities.
- Political power gradually diversified with new social classes and regions gaining influence.
