3 Syria and Iran: Diplomatic Alliance and Power Politics in the Middle East.

3 SYRIA AND IRAN

DIPLOMATIC ALLIANCE AND POWER POLITICS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

BY JUBIN GOODARZI

PUBLISHED BY I.B. TAURIS

ISBN 9781845119973

PRICE 16.99 [pounds sterling] PAPERBACK

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The alliance between Syria and Iran has proved to be an enduring feature of the political landscape of the Middle East. Moreover, since its inception after the Iranian Revolution, it has had a significant impact in terms of moulding events and bringing about major changes in this troubled region. Jubin Goodarzi's study demonstrates that the alliance between the two states has been essentially defensive in nature. It emerged in response to a series of events and developments, most notably, the-Iraqi invasion of Iran in 1980, the Israeli intervention in Lebanon in 1982 and US adventurism in the Middle East. This book traces the critical stages in the evolution and consolidation of the alliance in the 1980s, and offers explanations for its longevity into the 21st century.