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The Lebanese Connection: Corruption, Civil War, And The International Drug Traffic (Stanford Studies In Middle Eastern And I)

Long before Mexico, Colombia, and Afghanistan became notorious for their contributions to the global drug traffic, Lebanon was a special target of U.S. drug agents for harboring the world's greatest single transit port in the international traffic in narcotics. In the words of one American official, "certain of the largest traffickers are so influential politically, and certain highly placed officials so deeply involved in the narcotic traffic, that one might well state that the Lebanese Government is in the narcotics business."Using previously secret government records, The Lebanese Connection uncovers for the first time the story of how Lebanon's economy and political system were corrupted by drug profits—and how, by financing its many ruthless militia, Lebanon's drug trade contributed to the country's greatest catastrophe, its fifteen-year civil war from 1975 to 1990. In so doing, this book sheds new light on the dangerous role of vast criminal enterprises in the collapse of states and the creation of war economies that thrive in the midst of civil conflicts.Taking a regional approach to the drug issue, Jonathan Marshall assesses the culpability of Syria, Israel, and of Palestinian factions and other groups that used Lebanon as their battleground. On the international level, he documents Lebanon's contribution to the hard drug problem of major consuming countries, from the days of the "French Connection" through the "Pizza Connection," as well as Lebanon's unrivaled place in the global hashish market.

Series: Stanford Studies in Middle Eastern and I

Hardcover: 272 pages

Publisher: Stanford University Press; 51054th edition (May 16, 2012)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0804781311

ISBN-13: 978-0804781312

Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.9 x 9 inches

Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)

Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #403,734 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #29 in Books > History > Middle East > Lebanon #807 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Politics & Government > International & World Politics > Middle Eastern #1975 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Social Sciences > Criminology

Jonathan Marshall's The Lebanese Connection is that rare book that combines the thrill of drug deals with a behind the scenes look at the failed politics that allowed those deals to go down. As someone not well-schooled in the recent history of Lebanon, I was particularly interested in the factors that allowed one of the Middle East's most successful nations, that once boasted a healthy economy and tourist trade, to gradually descend into a major drug trafficking hub. Marshall builds a convincing case on how a corrupt government opened the doors to the narcotics industry in Lebanon, leading to a political system, economy, and psyche that has yet to recover. Even more significant, The Lebanese Connection holds lessons for the current drug trade-induced carnage in Mexico, and is must reading for those following the plight of that rapidly disintegrating society.

it names names. it is incredible fascinating view into the middle east war financing and narcotics trafficking. I recommend it, but it can get you frustrated especially if you have a emotional connection to the middle east

A serious and factual guide to Lebanon's disputed history. Very hard not to agree and be inspired by an accurate recollection of the events that puts the facts in front of you and then allows you to arrive to your own conclusions.

Excellent book packed full of information and facts only available to ones who have been there and done extensive research.

A+

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