Leon T. Goldsmith teaches in the Department of Political Science, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.

'Goldsmith does not see [the Alawites'] loyalty as given. He sets out to explain it by examining their history. ... Goldsmith shows that years of persecution since the sect's founding have taught its adherents to stick together, and, as things have grown worse, to the regime. ... a welcome addition to scholarship on Syria.'; 'Cycle of Fear is based on an impressive amount of field research as well as interviews with hard-to-reach leading Alawite figures inside Syria and elsewhere. Goldsmith does a good job of unmasking much of the mystery surrounding this sect and places within its historical context the twentieth century rise of the Alawites and the decision by most Alawites in the current conflict to stick with the Assad regime. I highly recommend it.'

Leon T. Goldsmith teaches in the Department of Political Science, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.

'Goldsmith does not see [the Alawites'] loyalty as given. He sets out to explain it by examining their history. ... Goldsmith shows that years of persecution since the sect's founding have taught its adherents to stick together, and, as things have grown worse, to the regime. ... a welcome addition to scholarship on Syria.'; 'Cycle of Fear is based on an impressive amount of field research as well as interviews with hard-to-reach leading Alawite figures inside Syria and elsewhere. Goldsmith does a good job of unmasking much of the mystery surrounding this sect and places within its historical context the twentieth century rise of the Alawites and the decision by most Alawites in the current conflict to stick with the Assad regime. I highly recommend it.'