Iraqi Arab Nationalism: Authoritarian, Totalitarian and Pro-Fascist Inclinations, 1932–1941

Description

Peter Wien presents a provocative discussion on the history of Iraq and the growth of nationalism during the 1930s and early 1940s. He deconstructs the established view that a large proportion of the nationalist movement in Iraq during this period was heavily influenced by Nazi Germany, arguing that the admiration for Germany was highly nuanced, and only rarely translated into admiration for Nazism. National unity and patriotism were important, but models of leadership were overwhelmingly based on Iraqis and not Hitler. Analyzing the activities of the Iraqi youth and Jewish Iraqis, Iraqi Arab Nationalism gives an understanding of Iraqis from diverse backgrounds. It incorporates source material not previously used in discussions of Iraq and nationalism and contains autobiographical and biographical material from officers, intellectuals and politicians, along with contemporary journalistic writings, which sheds new light on Iraqi nationalism. Cover Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Table of Contents Acknowledgments Note on transcription 1 Introduction 2 The historical framework German–Arab relations in the 1930s: ambitions and wrong expectations The emergence of Iraq’s ruling elite The significance of 1933 Toward an informal military dictatorship A limited public sphere 3 Generational conflict The generational approach The Sherifian generation The Young Effendiyya 4 The debate of the Iraqi press The Iraqi press in its environment Direct references to Germany and fascism “Fascist Imagery” The debate on the youth The youth of 1941: protest and violence 5 Conclusions Notes Bibliography Index