Based on firsthand reporting from Syria and throughout the Middle East,Inside Syriaunravels the complex dynamics underlying the Syrian Civil War. Through vivid, on-the-ground accounts and interviews with rebel leaders, regime supporters, and Syrian president Bashar al-Assad himself,veteran journalist Reese Erlichgives the reader a better understanding of this momentous power struggle and why it matters. Through his many contacts inside Syria, the author reveals who is supporting Assad and why; he describes the agendas of the rebel factions; and he depicts in stark terms the dire plight of many ordinary Syrian people caught in the cross-fire. The book also provides insights into the role of the Kurds, the continuing influence of Iran, and the policies of American leaders who seem interested only in protecting US regional interests. Disturbing and enlightening at once, this timely book shows you not only what is happening inside Syria but why it is so important for the Middle East, the US, and the world.

Reese Erlich is an award-winning journalist and the author of four books on foreign policy, most recently Conversations with Terrorists- Middle East Leaders on Politics, Violence and Empire. In 2012, the Society of Professional Journalists, Northern California, gave Erlich its best explanatory journalism award for his radio documentary entitled oInside the Syrian Revolution.o In 2006 Erlich shared a prestigious Peabody award. Currently, he works as a fulltime, freelance journalist and holds the position of special correspondent with GlobalPost. He also reports regularly for National Public Radio, Radio Deutsche Welle, the Canadian Broadcast Corporation, and CBS Radio News. His articles on the Middle East have appeared in the Christian Science Monitor, GlobalPost, Atlantic Online, and Vanity Fair Online.