Syria and Iran: Diplomatic Alliance and Power Politics in the Middle East (Library of Modern Middle East Studies)

The alliance between Syria and Iran has proved to be an enduring feature on the political landscape of the Middle East. Moreover, since its inception after the Iranian Revolution, it has had a significant impact in terms of moulding events and bringing about major changes in this troubled region. The study demonstrates that, contrary to prevailing views, the alliance between the two states has been essentially defensive in nature. It emerged in response to a series of events and developments, most notably, the Iraqi invasion of Iran in 1980, the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982 and U.S. adventurism in the Middle East. This book traces the critical stages in the evolution and consolidation of the alliance in the 1980s, and offers explanations for its longevity into the 21st century. "The enduring alliance between Iran and Syria which came about after Iran's 1979 Revolution proved to be a feature of the Middle East's political landscape in the 20th and early 21st centuries. Moreover, its impact in moulding events and bringing about major changes in this troubled region proved enormously significant. Jubin M. Goodarzi provides us with the first in-depth study on the Syrian-Iranian nexus, which traces the origins and development of the strategic partnership between Damascus and Tehran from 1979 until the present. He argues that contrary to prevailing views (due in large part to the authoritarian and unpopular nature of the Syrian and Iranian regimes), the alliance between them was conceived as essentially defensive in nature. He puts forth an empirical survey with a chronology of events, and analyses the key phases in the evolution of the alliance. In the process, he explains their significance, both in terms of how they affected bilateral relations between the two states and their regional implications. Through careful research and analysis, Goodarzi reveals linkages between major events in the Middle East and crucial decisions that were made in Tehran and Damascus; particularly ones that have been overlooked or ignored by regional analysts and scholars. These include the impact of the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982 and the subsequent Syrian-Iranian consultations on Iran's position regarding the war with Iraq; the effects of US-Iraqi actions in the Persian Gulf in 1988 and Iran's moves in Lebanon against the wishes of Syria. Goodarzi analyses the stability and security of this partnership and assesses its prospects for the future."--Bloomsbury Publishing. Jubin M. Goodarzi Provides Us With The First In-depth Study On The Syrian-iranian Nexus Which Traces The Origins And Development Of The Strategic Partnership Between Damascus And Tehran From 1979 Until The Present. He Argues That Contrary To Prevailing Views (due In Large Part To The Authoritarian And Unpopular Nature Of The Syrian And Iranian Regimes), The Alliance Between Them Was Conceived As Essentially Defensive In Nature. He Puts Forth An Empirical Survey With A Chronology Of Events, And Analyses The Key Phases In The Evolution Of The Alliance. In The Process He Explains Their Significance, Both In Terms Of How They Affected Bilateral Relations Between The Two States And Their Regional Implications. Through Careful Research And Analysis, Goodarzi Reveals Linkages Between Major Events In The Middle East And Crucial Decisions That Were Made In Tehran And Damascus; Particularly Ones That Have Been Overlooked Or Ignored By Regional Analysts And Scholars.--jacket. The Emergence Of The Syrian-iranian Axis, 1979-82 -- The Achievements And Limits Of Syrian-iranian Power, 1982-85 -- Intra-alliance Tensions And The Consolidation Of The Syrian-iranian Axis, 1985-88 -- Into The Twenty-first Century : The Syrian-iranian Nexus Endures. Jubin M. Goodarzi. Series Statement Incorrect In Book. Correct One Provided By Vendor. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [342]-347) And Index. The alliance between Syria and Iran has proved to be an enduring feature on the political landscape of the Middle East. Moreover, since its inception after the Iranian Revolution, it has had a significant impact in terms of moulding events and bringing about major changes in this troubled region. The study demonstrates that, contrary to prevailing views, the alliance between the two states has been essentially defensive in nature. It emerged in response to a series of events and developments, most notably, the Iraqi invasion of Iran in 1980, the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982 and U.S. adventurism in the Middle East. This book traces the critical stages in the evolution and consolidation of the alliance in the 1980s, and offers explanations for its longevity into the 21st century. -- Publisher description The alliance between Syria and Iran has proved to be an enduring feature on the political landscape of the Middle East. Moreover, since its inception after the Iranian Revolution, it has had a significant impact in terms of moulding events and bringing about major changes in this troubled region. The study demonstrates that, contrary to prevailing views, the alliance between the two states has been essentially defensive in nature. It emerged in response to a series of events and developments, most notably, the Iraqi invasion of Iran in 1980, the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982 and US adventurism in the Middle East. The book traces the critical stages in the evolution and consolidation of the alliance in the 1980s, and offers explanations for its longevity into the 21st century. The alliance between Iran and Syria which came about after Iran's 1979 Revolution proved to be a feature of the Middle East's political landscape in the 20th and 21st centuries. This title provides the study on the Syrian-Iranian nexus. It puts forth a survey with a chronology of events, and analyses the stability and security of this partnership. This title traces the critical stages in the evolution and consolidation of the alliance between Syria and Iran in the 1980s, and offers explanations for its longevity into the 21st century