Syria And The Palestinians: The Clash Of Nation... (2026)

As of April 2026, the underlying tensions described by Talhami remain visible in:

Other scholars noted the book lacks a traditional introduction, which can leave readers without a "theoretical mapping" until late in the text. Modern Relevance Syria and the Palestinians: The Clash of Nation...

Syria frequently toggled between aiding Palestinian groups (like Fatah in the 1960s) and suppressing them (in the 1970s) based on its own regime's interests. As of April 2026, the underlying tensions described

Critics still point to the Syrian regime's use of the Palestinian cause to bolster its own legitimacy while simultaneously suppressing Palestinian dissent. Some critics, such as Jonathan Schanzer in the

Some critics, such as Jonathan Schanzer in the Middle East Quarterly , argued that Talhami shows "disdain for a diplomatic resolution" and sometimes ignores the imperialist goals of other Arab states.

Each movement's distinct objectives often caused unintended or deliberate interference in the others' affairs.

Historically, many Syrians viewed Palestine as "Southern Syria," a perspective that clashed with the emerging independent Palestinian national identity.