My Struggle For Syria (a Woman In Arab Politics)

By (author) Kodmani, Bassma; Edited by Kodmani, Hala; Edited by Playfair Emma; Edited by Knight Barry; Edited by Harris, Christopher; Edited by Morrison-Bell Cynthia
Short description/annotation:
The testimony of Bassma Kodmani (1959-2023) recounting her fight for democratic change in Syria.
Description:
This account by Bassma Kodmani details her passionate fight for democratic change in Syria. It is both her personal testimony and a unique historical document. As a westernised Syrian intellectual who, in 2011, became a figure of the Syrian opposition in exile, her candid narrative sheds fresh light on this conflict with its multiple twists and turns drawn from her direct involvement over a decade. Kodmani participated in and initiated meetings and negotiations with diplomats and politicians from around the world. Her testimony covers the exclusive behind-the-scenes revelations about conversations with local and international officials and follows the mutations of the Syrian conflict. The missed opportunities, broken promises and the changing positions of some of the world’s most important leaders revealed in this book illuminate the regional geopolitics of the Syrian conflict that are still unresolved today. An important source for scholars in Syria studies, Kodmani''s personal reflections add a human element to the political analysis.
Table of contents:

Timeline of Key Events
List of Names
Main Syrian Opposition Groups
List of Contributors
Editors’ Notes to Text
Tribute by Ghassan Salamé
Preface by Bassma Kodmani
Foreword by Hala Kodmani
Acknowledgements
List of Abbreviations and Acronyms
Map of Syria

Chapter One: Early Life
Growing Up
Becoming a Revolutionary

Chapter Two: Into the Struggle
The Creation of the Syrian National Council (SNC)
Experiences in the SNC 2011-2012

Chapter Three: Connecting with the Ground in Syria
Emergence of Local Councils with Omar Aziz
Dr. Wehbe in Douma
Devastating Losses
On the Other Side of the Sun
Education as a Battlefield—Abu Adnan Fleitani
The Kofi Annan UN Mission in Syria

Chapter Four: Diplomatic Failure and Descent into War
Brutally Ejected
The Islamist Takeover
The Failure of Representation and False Unity
The Free Syrian Army : neither free nor an army
Wrong Alliances
My Regrets

Chapter Five: In the Shadows: Becoming a Freelance Diplomat
Seeking Emirati Support
Qatar Control over the New Syrian Opposition and Military Council
Dealing with Fighting Forces on the Ground
Negotiating with the Russians
Back Channel Diplomacy with Iran
A Wild Card: The Kurds

Chapter Six: Negotiations
The Geneva Talks
Smoke and Mirrors
Lausanne Technical Talks
From Geneva to Sochi
Chapter Seven: Track II Diplomacy
Russia Controls All
The Muegel Military Plan
My Efforts for