Assad and Me
A Memoir of Revolt Against the Syrian Regime
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Assad and Me
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Narrated by:
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Roberto Saikaly
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By:
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Issam Khoury
About this listen
Assad and Me blends personal memoir with a gripping account of the Syrian revolution and the oppressive regime it aimed to overthrow. This compelling narrative takes listeners on a journey through the tumultuous and tragic history of Syria, shedding light on deep-seated tensions, the rise of extremism, and the human cost of this devastating conflict. Additionally, the book delves into the author's own journey, from a writer of fiction to an investigative journalist and civil activist in the pursuit of democracy, chronicling his trials and tribulations, including imprisonment and torture, and providing a raw and unfiltered perspective on the brutality of the Assad regime. One of the standout features of this audiobook is its ability to make the listener both laugh and cry. Amid the tales of oppression and suffering, there are moments of dark humor that highlight the absurdity of the bureaucratic nightmare faced by the author and countless others in Syria.
The author's background as a Christian of Syrian descent allows for a unique perspective, which transcends religious biases, making the audiobook accessible to a wide range of audiences. The audiobook's simple and fluid language ensures that it can be easily comprehended by a broad audience, including students and those with limited prior knowledge of Middle Eastern issues. It serves as an essential resource for researchers and a compelling narrative for all members of society. In conclusion, Assad and Me is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged audiobook that brings to life the human stories behind the Syrian revolution, and it is a must-listen for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in history. It has the power to leave a lasting impact on its audience.
©2023 Issam Khoury (P)2023 Issam KhouryListeners also enjoyed...
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Critic reviews
"Issam Khoury is a Syrian patriot and expatriate. His book Assad and Me is a unique truth-telling of how the Assad regime, aided by Russian forces, has struggled to imprison and expel millions of Syrians who want nothing more than a decent life for their families. We need to understand his story as we struggle to come to grips with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and find pathways to avoid similar catastrophes elsewhere." (Cameron B. Hume, author and United States ambassador to Algeria [1997-2000], South Africa [2001-2004], and Indonesia [2007–2010])
"Issam writes a riveting synopsis of the real story on the ground in Syria. An insightive Autobiography coupled with a clear narrative on how complex the landscape is. A must-read." (Oz Sultan, researcher, strategist, board member at Homeland Security Foundation of America, and a regular on i24, Newsmax)
"The fact Issam Khoury has a reputation as a knowledgeable reporter on what is going on in his native Syria, in particular, and in the Middle East, in general, is very well-deserved. Khoury had engaged in the civil rights movements during the early 2000’s and ran afoul of the Assad government’ secret service. Eventually, he had to leave the country, and arrive in New York in 2013." (Charles Weiss, veteran journalist, regional correspondent for VOA)