Reading Iraq : culture and power and conflict /
Muhsin al-Musawi.
- 240 pages ; 24 cm.
- Library of modern Middle East studies ; v. 51 .
- Library of modern Middle East studies ; v. 51. .
Mapping Iraqi culture : introduction -- Reading Iraq now : functions and markers of culture -- Power relations and cultural dynamics since the mandate -- Ideology, the post-independence state and Saddam's discourse -- The literary politic in cultural consciousness -- Defining postcoloniality in Iraqi culture -- Profile : 'Aziz al-Sayyid Jasim -- Lieut. General Sir Stanley Maude's proclamation, March 19, 1917. App. I. App. II.
"What exactly is Iraq? As a dramatic new era of Iraqi politics unfolds, Muhsin al-Musawi seeks to understand it by dissecting the country's cultural anatomy. The first major work of its kind, Reading Iraq explores the profound connection between identity and power in Iraq's history, and in so doing provides a context for understanding today's complicated struggles. Drawing on a mixture of 'high' and popular forms of expression, al-Musawi identifies the prevalent tropes of Iraqi culture, such as symbols of redemptive suffering amongst the Shi'ites, or courage amongst the Bedouins. He examines these symbols in historical and political context, arguing that establishing legitimacy in Iraq is a question of being able to read and respond to a wide variety of cultural signals."--BOOK JACKET.
1845110706 9781845110703
Power (Social sciences)--Iraq Group identity--Iraq