David Lesch is assistant professor of Middle East history at Trinity University in San Antonio.

• Preface -- Note on the Text -- Introduction -- American Policy Under Truman -- Eisenhower’s Turn -- The Swinging of the Pendulum in Syria -- Syria’s Choice -- Policy Fragmentation -- Prelude to the 1957 Crisis -- Syria’s Rapprochement with Saudi Arabia and Iraq -- The American Riposte -- Regional Diplomacy of Sa’ud and Nasser -- The International Crisis -- Conclusion