My Struggle for Syria: A Woman in Arab Politics

(Hardback)

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This account by Bassma Kodmani details her passionate fight for democratic change in Syria. It is both her personal testimony and a unique historical document. As a westernised Syrian intellectual who, in 2011, became a figure of the Syrian opposition in exile, her candid narrative sheds fresh light on this conflict with its multiple twists and turns drawn from her direct involvement over a decade. Kodmani participated in and initiated meetings and negotiations with diplomats and politicians from around the world. Her testimony covers the exclusive behind-the-scenes revelations about conversations with local and international officials and follows the mutations of the Syrian conflict. The missed opportunities, broken promises and the changing positions of some of the worlds most important leaders revealed in this book illuminate the regional geopolitics of the Syrian conflict that are still unresolved today. An important source for scholars in Syria studies, Kodmani's personal reflections add a human element to the political analysis.

Reviews

The book is a gripping account filled with revealing narratives about the early stages of the Syrian uprisings. It offers an in-depth exploration of the political aspects of the revolt, highlighting the divisions and complexities within the opposition. The vivid storytelling and first-hand insights provide a compelling look into the dynamics and struggles of this tumultuous period. -- Asaad Alsaleh, Associate Professor, Indiana University, US

Author Bio

Bassma Kodmani (1959-2023) was a leading figure of the exiled Syrian opposition who devoted much of her career to the democratisation of the Arab world. A prominent expert in Middle Eastern affairs, she held a doctorate in political science from Sciences Po, France and was the founding executive director of the Paris-based Arab Reform Initiative. In 2011 she co-founded the Syrian National Council, the first coalition of opponents to President Bashar al-Assad's regime. She served as head of foreign relations and spokesperson for the body and was a leading member of the opposition High Negotiations Committee, participating in United Nations-hosted meetings in Geneva from 2016.