The United States and Arab Nationalism: The Syrian Case, 1953-1960

by Bonnie F. Saunders

Overview

This book explores three themes. The Eisenhower Administration's overriding Cold War goal in the oil-rich Middle East was minimizing Soviet influence. Second, Soviet support for Arab opposition to British colonialism and Israeli Zionism prompted Arab nationalists to embrace neutralism in the Cold War. Third, Eisenhower and Dulles perceived neutral Arab nationalism as virtually tantamount to pro-communism. Syria, the most xenophobic Arab state, was deemed most susceptible to Soviet enticements. This book concludes that U.S. policies in Syria went awry, provoking Syria to collaborate even more closely with the Soviet Union.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780275954260
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	01/09/1996
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.38(d)

About the Author

BONNIE F. SAUNDERS is Adjunct Professor of History at Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts, Teikyo Post University in Waterbury, Connecticut and at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Connecticut.

Table of Contents

Preface
Abbreviations Used in the Notes
The United States, Arab Nationalism, and Syria Before 1953
A New Cold War Front: Syria and U.S. Fear of Soviet Expansion, 1953-1956
American Intrigue Against Syria
Triangle of Crisis, 1957: Syria, the United States, and Turkey
Conclusion and Aftermath
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

Describes how US President Dwight D. Eisenhower and his Secretary of State John Foster Dulles consistently bungled attempts to bring Syria into the American sphere of influence because of overriding concerns with keeping oil out of Soviet hands, allying with Britain, and supporting Zionist Israel. Bribery, hiring neighboring countries to make war, instigating overthrow plots, and insults by high officials merely drove the Damascus government deeper into friendship with Moscow. The case is offered as an example of the US failure to come to terms with Arab nationalism throughout the Middle East. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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