About the Author

Andrew Tabler is a fellow with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and one of the most sought-after voices on contemporary Syria. His articles have appeared in the New York Times, the New York Times Magazine, Newsweek, the International Herald Tribune, Foreign Policy, and Foreign Affairs. His opinion is regularly sought by CNN, NBC, and PBS. After seven years of living and working under Assad's regime, Tabler left Damascus for Beirut.

Reviews

"Tabler's unique position as an American working to promote Syrian culture allowed him a keen perch from which to observe unfolding events...A singular, critical look inside this compelling Arab nation." -- Kirkus "Tabler's frontline report offers readers a chilling glimpse of an enigmatic region." -- Publishers Weekly "A fascinating odyssey through the maze of modern Syria. Full of wisdom, optimism, and caution." -- Jon Alterman, Director of the Middle East Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies "It is difficult to think of a more timely book and of an author better suited to write it. Andrew Tabler worked around the inner sanctum of Bashar al-Assad [and] offers unique insights into the inner workings of the regime and of Syria's ruling elites. Mandatory reading." --Itamar Rabinovich, Israel's former chief negotiator with Syria and ambassador to the United States "Riveting ... a compelling insider's account of life under the Assad regime." -- Steven Heydemann, United States Institute of Peace