In the Lion's Den: An Eyewitness Account of Washington's Battle with Syria

by Andrew Tabler

A key player in the Middle East and the site of violent protests in 2011, Syria has long been a thorn in Washington's side when it comes to forging peace or rolling back the influence of the Islamic republic of Iran. But only after the events of 9/11 and Damascus's staunch opposition to the war in Iraq did the U.S. government begin an unannounced campaign to pressure President Bashar al-Assad's regime to revamp its regional and domestic policies. The book vividly captures Tabler's behind-the-scenes experiences and provides a firsthand look at 21st-century Syria and Washington's attempts to craft a "New Middle East." Examining the effects of the neoconservatives' strategy and asking what went wrong and how Washington can achieve a new relationship with this pivotal Middle Eastern nation, this investigation provides a rare glimpse into U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.

Genres: Middle East, Politics, History, Nonfiction

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Katrina Jørgensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great intro for people wanting to know more about Syria during the Bush admin. It does not deal very much with the current situation in Syria, but does touch on some diplomacy ideas worth reading. The most interesting part for me was better understanding the deep ties between Syria/Iran.

[David Brush · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book by a journalist who spent a lot of time working in Syria in the early to late 2000's. My only complaint is a lot of the story is told from his firsthand experience and the information that more specifically pertained to him. I thought a broader history and broader context would've helped periodically, but still, a solid read. It's particularly interesting as it was published right as the event that would become the Syrian Civil War was beginning.

[Hazem Akil · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a waste of time

The author is obviously a mediocre journalist who found a chance to be relevant by portraying himself as an idealist in a tough neighbourhood. The inaccuracies in the the book are shocking. Don’t waste your time reading it (like I did unfortunately). It is nothing but trash.

[Sarah Husain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read and helpful context into the years leading up to the current civil war in Syria. However felt that the author lacked some perspective on the region and made some over generalizations at times.

[Quratulain · Rating 5 out of 5]

GB

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent first hand account of the years leading up to the Syrian revolution. KInd of a memoir, but with more of a journalist's view, lacking in some of the typical local flavor/personal discovery stuff that many travel memoirs have.

[Rosie Faulkner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Totally eye opening and shows a Western insiders perspective of Syria during a pivotal era in Middle Eastern history.