About the Book
Book: Ilangamuwa's After Assad: Is Syria the New Libya in the Mediterranean?
Author: Nilantha Ilangamuwa
Our Regular columnist, Nilantha Ilangamuwa'sAfter Assad: Is Syria the New Libya in the Mediterranean? is a compelling exploration of the geopolitical chaos unleashed by the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Independently published in 2024 and available on Amazon, the book offers a stark analysis of a nation fractured by war, foreign interference, and sectarian tensions, drawing thought-provoking parallels with Libya's disintegration post-Gaddafi.
Ilangamuwa delves into the complex aftermath of Assad's collapse, illustrating how the removal of a dictator does not necessarily lead to stability or democracy. Instead, the power vacuum has given rise to militias, territorial struggles, and foreign interventions. The narrative paints a grim picture of a nation torn apart by competing agendas, with Turkey, Iran, Israel, Russia, and Western powers vying for influence, often at the expense of Syria's sovereignty and its people's welfare. This multi-layered analysis is not just a critique of these powers but a searing indictment of how global ambitions exploit fractured states.
The book contextualises the Syrian conflict within a broader historical framework, tracing the roots of sectarian manipulation and authoritarian rule under the Assad dynasty. Ilangamuwa connects these factors to the current fragmentation, showing how decades of repression and inequality laid the groundwork for the present turmoil. His parallels with Libya highlight the recurring failures of external interventions, where short-term strategic goals leave behind a legacy of chaos and suffering.
The human cost of this conflict is at the heart of Ilangamuwa's narrative. He vividly describes the destruction of key Syrian cities, the displacement of millions, and the rise of extremist factions like Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham. He challenges the ethical basis of foreign powers' involvement, arguing that their actions often prioritise geopolitical objectives over humanitarian considerations. The looting of Damascus following Assad's downfall is capturing the collapse of state authority and the pervasive violence engulfing the capital.
The author's critique extends to the duplicity of international media and foreign policy actors. By juxtaposing Syria's fate with Western portrayals of regime change, Ilangamuwa exposes the contradictions and hypocrisies in global narratives about intervention and democracy. His insights into how powers such as the United States and Turkey manipulate proxy wars underscore the cynical exploitation of regional instability.
This is not merely a political or historical study; it is also a distressing reflection on the enduring suffering of the Syrian people. Ilangamuwa's writing is enriched by his encounters with Syrian activists, journalists, and intellectuals, lending authenticity to his analysis. These voices, often overshadowed by dominant geopolitical discourses, remind readers of the resilience and hope that persist amidst devastation.
