Transformed by the People

Reviews / Votes

'[An] impressive study . . . Transformed by the People is by its nature a book that will have a particularly select readership but it is probably the best of its kind in English to date on the subject and is essential reading for anyone with an interest in Syria in the post-Assad era.' -- <b><i>The Irish Times</i></b> 'Haenni and Drevon are both experts on this recent chapter of Syrian history, having watched much of it unfold in real time.' * <b><I>Irish Examiner</I></b> * 'Essential reading... a landmark contribution.' * <b><I>The New Arab</I></b> * 'A timely analysis of how a jihadi faction reinvented itself as a governing force in post-Al-Assad Syria.' * <b><I>Al Ahram</i></b> * 'Haenni and Drevon have done the impossible: They stuck with the Syrian tragedy long after others had shifted their attention, focused on Hayat Tahrir al-Sham at a time when it was not yet fashionable, and enjoyed deep familiarity with Syria's new leaders as everyone else had to play catch up. The result is a gem, a superb, edifying and eye-opening account of the evolution of the jihadist movement and a definitive response to those who wonder whether Sharaa's conversion and HTS's deradicalization are genuine or counterfeit. If any policymaker ever questions the utility of field work, you now have your answer: Just give them a copy of Transformed by the People. They won't regret it.' * <b>Robert Malley, Yale University, former Middle East advisor to Presidents Clinton, Obama, and Biden; former CEO of the International Crisis Group; and author, with Hussein Agha, of the forthcoming <I>Tomorrow is Yesterday: Life, Death, and the Pursuit of Peace in Israel-Palestine</I></b> * 'The authors have marshalled a tremendous amount of unique field research to develop a coherent, controversial, and ultimately convincing account of the pragmatic evolution of HTS.' * <b>March Lynch, Professor of Political Science and Director of Middle East Studies, George Washington University, and author of <I>America's Middle East: The Ruination of a Region</I></b> * 'Transformed by the People looks beyond the hysterics of the War on Terror and takes a serious historical view of the forces at play. Being the first westerners to reach out and connect with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and its leadership, Haenni and Drevon--in ground breaking fieldwork--reveal the deeper processes behind al Sharaa's moderation. This work will stand as an essential guide for any future analysts that aim at real explanation over simple polemics.' * <b>Martin Smith, PBS Frontline correspondent, interviewed Abu Mohammad al-Jolani for his documentary, 'The Jihadist'</b> * 'Haenni and Drevon have written a timely and original book that helps illuminate a critical issue: how and why the new leaders of Syria transformed from jihadists into pragmatists.' * <b>Peter Bergen, author of <I>The Rise and Fall of Osama bin Laden</I></b> * 'Those curious about Syria, its recent history, and its new transitional government will find all the necessary information and food for thought in this book. The history and transformation of HTS are presented meticulously, insightfully, and analytically. Black and white are passe; it is the shades of grey that strengthen our understanding of this enigmatic and fascinating movement and its leaders. For those who need or want to engage with the new Syria politically, this book is essential.' * <b>Monika Schmutz Kirgoez, Middle East specialist and Assistant State Secretary, MENA Division, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Switzerland</b> * 'Rather than labelling HTS in the received terms of analysis as being "liberal", "secular", or even "realist", the authors argue that it represents a new and uncharted political experiment which moves beyond such categories but has not yet established its own.' * <b>Faisal Devji, Beit Professor of Global and Imperial History, University of Oxford</b> * 'An extraordinary book that dissects a complex phenomenon in a provocative and original manner. It does not dwell on paradoxes but shows concretely how a jihadist leader can evolve into a responsible national politician without denying himself. It is a rare example analysis of political sociology based on in-depth fieldwork that manages to avoid value judgments and ideological polemics.' * <b>Olivier Roy, Professor at the European University Institute, and author of <I>The Crisis of Culture: Identity Politics and the Empire of Norms</I></b> * 'Transformed by the People is a vital resource for understanding the remarkable journey of this formerly terrorist organisation into a major, and quite possibly stabilising, force not just in Syria but the entire Middle East.' * <b>Ambassador James F. Jeffrey, former US Special Representative for Syria Engagement and Special Envoy to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS</b> *