"In the aftermath of World War I, Syria paved a path towards democracy. Initially as part of the French mandate in the Middle East and latterly as an independent republic, Syria put in place the instruments of democratic government that it was hoped would lead to a stable future. This book tells the story of modern Syria's formative years, using previously unseen material from the personal papers of Ahmad Sharabati, a prominent nationalist who served in different capacities during colonial times and early independence, first as minister of edcuation and then as minister of defence. His experiences and those of others of his generation tell the story of Syria's short-lived democratic years, up to the union with Egypt as the United Arab Republic in 1958"--Back cover.

Hands that give, never take -- Damascus occupied -- Syria in revolt -- The league of national action -- Encounter of a lifetime -- The enemy of my enemy -- A new dawn : August 1943 -- Blessed are the educators -- Evacuation -- Dark clouds -- On the brink of war : the Sharabati papers I -- The Nakba : the Sharabati papers II -- The dictator of Damascus -- The United Arab Republic and its aftermath.