Predicts the collapse of the Arabian empire in the face of corrupt leadership and state inadequacy, comparing the region's technologically pioneering and culturally dominating status of a thousand years ago to the needed reforms of the present day.

Arabic collection. Originally published in Great Britain in 2003 under title: Dreaming of Damascus : Arab voices from a region in turmoil. Originally published under title: Dreaming of Damascus : Arab voices from a region in turmoil.

Lebanon: the sluice gate -- Syria: the circle -- Jordan: the royal expediency -- Palestine: the last colony -- Iraq: the show -- Egypt: the towering dwarf -- Conclusion: whither Asabiyya?.