Between 1949 and 1957, ten coups shook Syria. Each attempt to overthrow the government was led by powers sympathetic to either the Soviet Union or the United States. Damascus Between Democracy and Dictatorship details the oscillations that rocked the Arab region during this transitional period, ultimately destroying Syria's chances for a stable democracy. Different levels of struggle are analyzed within the context of global Cold War politics, and the roles of specific leaders are critiqued.