French rule in Syria and Lebanon coincided with the rise of colonial resistance around the world and with profound social trauma after World War I. In this tightly argued study; Elizabeth Thompson shows how Syrians and Lebanese mobilized; like other colonized peoples; to claim the terms of citizenship enjoyed in the European metropole. The negotiations between the French and citizens of the Mandate set the terms of politics for decades after Syria and Lebanon achieved independence in 1946.Colonial Citizens highlights gender as a central battlefield upon which the relative rights and obligations of states and citizens were established. The participants in this struggle included not only elite nationalists and French rulers; but also new mass movements of women; workers; youth; and Islamic populists. The author examines the "gendered battles" fought over France's paternalistic policies in health; education; labor; and the press. Two important and enduring political structures issued from these conflicts:• First; a colonial welfare state emerged by World War II that recognized social rights of citizens to health; education; and labor protection. • Second; tacit gender pacts were forged first by the French and then reaffirmed by the nationalist rulers of the independent states. These gender pacts represented a compromise among male political rivals; who agreed to exclude and marginalize female citizens in public life. This study provides a major contribution to the social construction of gender in nationalist and postcolonial discourse. Returning workers; low-ranking religious figures; and most of all; women to the narrative history of the region―figures usually omitted―Colonial Citizens enhances our understanding of the interwar period in the Middle East; providing needed context for a better understanding of statebuilding; nationalism; Islam; and gender since World War II.
#738450 in Books 2010-01-19 2010-01-19Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.43 x .98 x 6.40l; 1.05 #File Name: 0230617735272 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. This is a great book going into the geopolitical aspect of the Georgia/Russia ...By ReviewerThis is a great book going into the geopolitical aspect of the Georgia/Russia war in 2008. Written from advisers who truly understand the subject and was involved when it all went down. Honestly is a must read for an understanding in the subject; and even though the events in Ukraine had not happened yet; really gives a deep understanding in the future of Russian politics and how they played in Ukraine as well. When you understand the subject; it makes you wonder if the cold-war really ended or if it was just a political formality. 5/5; would recommend to anyone who is interested in foreign policy.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A clear; concise explanation of a very confusing timeBy Jon HowardThis book is particularly germane to our world given that Russia is again poised to invade and annex the lands of another one of its neighbors; Ukraine. Mr. Asmus outlines the months and years leading up to the short Russia-Georgia War. If you are looking for a description of the fighting; this is not the book for you. He focuses on the political and diplomatic decisions before; during and after the invasion; rather than the fighting itself. Mr. Asmus provides insights into the rationale of Putin and the leaders of the West. This book is interesting; relevant reading!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Compelling Style; Excellent ReadBy wasian206The author's unique experience and inside knowledge makes this a thrilling and informative read. I heartily recommend this book for those short on time and wanting an understanding of this conflict.
