Syrian Intervention in Lebanon

Conflict and intervention in the Middle East are not uncommon occurrences. Yet when civil strife erupted in Lebanon in 1975, the events that followed were unusual indeed. Unlike most patterns of intervention, Syria displayed remarkable tactical flexibility by first intervening on behalf of the rebels, its traditional allies, then shifting its allegiance mid-war to the Lebanese incumbents. Also, whereas most intervention scenarios end with a process ofdecommitment, Syria eventually occupied parts of Lebanon to become an enduring military entity there. Delving into primary Syrian and Lebanese sources, Weinberger unravels the history, competing factions,religion, politics, and culture of the region and presents an intriguing and complex portrait of intervention by a regional power.

“"A unique, comprehensive, and cogent analysis. It is the only study inEnglish I know of that deals comprehensively with the Syrian intervention inLebanon 1975-76, both factually and analytically."--Marius K. Deeb, GeorgetownUniversity”

"A masterful account....Among the best works of the past decade to appear on this subject....Deserves serious consideration by specialists and generalists alike."--Naval War College Review"A unique, comprehensive, and cogent analysis. It is the only study in English I know of that deals comprehensively with the Syrian intervention in Lebanon 1975-76, both factually and analytically."--Marius K. Deeb, Georgetown University"A masterful account....Among the best works of the past decade to appear on this subject....Deserves serious consideration by specialists and generalists alike."--Naval War College Review"A unique, comprehensive, and cogent analysis. It is the only study in English I know of that deals comprehensively with the Syrian intervention in Lebanon 1975-76, both factually and analytically."--Marius K. Deeb, Georgetown University

Naomi Joy Weinberger is at Yale University.

Conflict and intervention in the Middle East are not uncommon occurrences. Yet when civil strife erupted in Lebanon in 1975, the events that followed were unusual indeed. Unlike most patterns of intervention, Syria displayed remarkable tactical flexibility by first intervening on behalf of the rebels, its traditional allies, then shifting its allegiance mid-war to the Lebanese incumbents. Also, whereas most intervention scenarios end with a process of decommitment, Syria eventually occupied parts of Lebanon to become an enduring military entity there. Delving into primary Syrian and Lebanese sources, Weinberger unravels the history, competing factions, religion, politics, and culture of the region and presents an intriguing and complex portrait of intervention by a regional power.

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