Winckler (Middle Eastern history, U. of Haifa, Israel) describes and analyzes demographic and socioeconomic developments in Syria within the framework of demographic developments taking place throughout the Middle East during the late 20th century. Noting that the Syrian population has increased almost twelve-fold during the last 75 years, Winckler makes connections between this phenomenal increase and the government's political decision-making and change in both internal affairs and foreign relations. Chapters include sources for Syrian demographic trends and development; population growth; spatial distribution of the population; Syrian migration abroad; demographic policies of the Syrian authorities; demography; and economy and political change under President Asad. Distributed by ISBS. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)