Sectarianism in Iraq: Antagonistic Visions of Unity (Columbia/Hurst) - Hardcover

Haddad, Fanar

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0231702329 ISBN 13: 9780231702324

Publisher: Columbia University Press, 2011

Synopsis

Sectarianism in Iraq provides the first comprehensive analysis of the toxic issue of sectarian relations and sectarian identity in Iraq. Rather than reducing Arab Iraq to unchanging Sunnis and Shias, Fanar Haddad explores the social processes underlining the fluid dynamic of sectarian relations: from coexistence to civil war. By exploring the often antagonistic mythologies and nationalist symbolisms of Iraqi Shias and Iraqi Sunnis, Haddad charts the constantly fluctuating relevance of sectarian identity through periods of calm and upheaval and focusses on two milestones that will continue to impact on sectarian relations in Iraq: the uprisings of 1991 and the fall of the Baath in 2003.

About this title

About the Author

Fanar Haddad is a London based analyst of Middle Eastern and Iraqi affairs. He has lectured at the University of Exeter and has extensively worked on Iraq and the wider region, most recently as an analyst at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

From the Back Cover

'Fanar Haddad's work is a major landmark in Iraq Studies and in the understanding of the profound issue of sectarianism that has bedevilled its modern history. ' Ali Allawi, author The Occupation of Iraq and Minister of Trade, Finance and Defence, Iraq, 2003-2006.

'Sectarianism in Iraq sets a new standard for the academic debate about sectarianism in Middle Eastern politics. Haddad explains the apparent paradox of why there is both a drive for continued sectarian coexistence in Iraq and frequent breakdowns of that lofty ideal.' Reidar Visser, Norwegian Institute of International Affairs.

'Haddad presents a nuanced, balanced, at times provocative account of why Iraqis of different sectarian colour committed the most atrocious acts against each other, while both maintained a near-identical narrative of their nationalist view. Sectarianism in Iraq is a powerful and insightful analysis of one of the most catastrophic events in modern Iraqi history.' Gareth Stansfield, Professor of Middle East Politics, Director of the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, University of Exeter.

'Lucid and intriguing, Fanar Haddad's book crosses the minefield of sectarianism in Iraq with great success. This vanguard study paves the way for further interpretations of this sensitive subject.' Dr Ronen Zeidel, Director of Research, Center for Iraq Studies, University of Haifa, Israel.

This book is a must for those who would like to understand present day Iraq.' Ghassan Atiyyah, Director of the Iraq Foundation for Development and Democracy.

Edition details

• Publisher: Columbia University Press
• Publication date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0231702329
• ISBN 13: 9780231702324
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 288