World War in Syria: Global Conflict on Middle Eastern Battlefields

by A.B. Abrams

World War in Syria answers questions that will have continued relevance beyond the country’s borders for years to come. What were the West’s motives for pursuing the Syrian state’s overthrow? How will precedents set in the conflict impact international norms with global reverberations? Why has Syria been vulnerable to instigation of insurgency, to information warfare and later to economic sanctions in a way that other Western adversaries are not? How has the conflict reflected the way warfare has evolved over recent decades, and under what conditions is it likely to conclude in the coming ten years?

Genres: Middle East, Nonfiction

422 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2021

About the author

A.B. Abrams is an expert on the international relations and security of the Asia-Pacific region. He has published widely on defense and politics under various pseudonyms, and is proficient in Chinese, Korean, and other East Asian languages. Abrams has completed Master's degrees in related subjects at the University of London. His works have received strong endorsements from senior military officials, diplomats, professors, and UN experts, among others.

Reviews

[John Davie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The 'civilising mission's has been replaced with the 'democratising mission' - and where the West had once presented itself as the judge of what proper civilisation was for the whole world, it now presented itself as the judge of what proper political values must be adopted. Imposing political Westernisation... [became] the new pretext for Western aggression, but the crusade for assertion of Western dominance globally continued much the same. By using political ideology as a pretext to violate both state sovereignty and international laws against crimes of aggression - the most serious of all international crimes - the Western powers used a new iteration of the 'civilising mission' as a pretext for aggression and plunder."

[Shyue Chou Chuang · Rating 4 out of 5]

The history of the Syrian War and what transpired is an indictment of the Western narrative of bringing democracy to authoritarian regimes, essentially subverting them. The volume relates the Western intolerance for nations not belonging to the Western system as well as Western insecurity when it comes to a parallel world order.

The volume traces the beginnings of the civil war in Syria and the external support for the extreme Islamist groups. This is followed by rise of the Free Syrian Army and the subsequent defeats the Syrian Arab Army (SAA). The middle part of the war saw a stalemate before the involvement of the Iranian Quds force and the Hizbollah. This was also followed by Russian aid and also Russian military involvement. The initial loss of territory of territory was followed by Syrian regime gains. What follows is an extremely detailed narrative of the years of conflict from the different players in the conflict.

The volume is extensively referenced and some of the references are from the Russians, and other left-wing sources. The volume is a counter narrative to the mainstream American narrative which one common sees.

[Carlos · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for those who are interested how this conflict, which is not over yet despite the toppling of Assad’s govt, has played out since its beginning in 2011. The book offers a in depth work on how events took place and the powers that backed the insurgence that was usually portrayed as moderate by the mass media.

[Sasha Grankin · Rating 4 out of 5]

pretty good history on the conflict and its geopolitical context. kinda gets in the weeds with weapons systems and shit but still pretty good

[100 Books Yearly · Rating 4 out of 5]

You should consider reading the book "World War in Syria" by A.B. Abrams for several reasons:

1. Comprehensive Study: The book offers a comprehensive study of the first ten years of the Syrian War, providing an in-depth understanding of the conflict and its complexities. It covers not only the immediate events but also provides extensive background information on the history of Syria's longstanding conflict with the Western world and regional strategic partners.

2. Global Implications: The book analyzes the conflict through the lens of an international 'world war' rather than a simple civil war, highlighting its implications for international security and the motivations of major parties involved. It explores how the conflict reflects broader global dynamics and the new Cold War paradigm between the Western world and its adversaries.

3. Relevant Questions: The book addresses important questions that have continued relevance beyond the borders of Syria. It explores the motives behind the West's pursuit of overthrowing the Syrian state, the impact on international norms, Syria's vulnerability to insurgency, information warfare, and economic sanctions, and the evolving nature of warfare over recent decades.

4. Insightful Analysis: By providing extensive research and analysis, the book offers valuable insights into the conflict, shedding light on the motivations, actions, and interests of various actors. It allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of the Syrian War.

5. Current and Future Relevance: The book's analysis and observations are likely to have continued relevance in understanding the ongoing conflict in Syria, as well as its potential future developments. It provides a foundation for comprehending the complexities and potential outcomes of the conflict in the coming years.

Overall, "World War in Syria" offers a comprehensive and insightful examination of the Syrian War and its wider implications, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the conflict's dynamics and its significance in the global context.

[Michael Haltom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best history book ever

Most interesting history book I've ever read for not holding back what western media is too controlled to reveal.

Even before I finished this book, i bought my second a. B. Abrams history book.