For a century a pivotal Middle Eastern country was ruled by Muslim men with a secret allegiance, not to an obscure Islamic teaching, not to Sharia Law . but to the Fraternity of Freemasons. Ultimately they were displaced when younger men turned to a more efficient organization--the Rotarians! So much for Western prejudice against Muslims.On a more serious note, this is a cautionary tale that reveals the erosive power of unfounded suspicion and conspiracy theory in the politics of Syria. More to the point, students of Syria will find that much of its history flowed through Freemasons, those who collaborated and those who sought to assassinate one another. This book is especially helpful in understanding the 17 years of Syrian independence and the many coups and counter coups . nearly all of them involving Freemasons. How to bring focus and clarity to the confusing period of Syrian independence? Looking at the independence period from the perspective of the Freemasons involved is an enormous help.