| The Politics of Suffering: Syria's Palestinian Refugee Camps Contributor(s): Gabiam, Nell (Author) |
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ISBN: 0253021286 ISBN-13: 9780253021281 Publisher: Indiana University Press OUR PRICE: $84.15 Product Type: Hardcover - Other Formats Published: May 2016 |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Social Science | Anthropology - Cultural & Social - Political Science | Intergovernmental Organizations - Political Science | World - Middle Eastern |
| Dewey: 362.870 |
| LCCN: 2015050921 |
| Series: Public Cultures of the Middle East and North Africa |
| Physical Information: 0.8" H x 6.2" W x 9.2" (0.90 lbs) 208 pages |
| Themes: - Cultural Region - Middle East |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: The Politics of Suffering examines the confluence of international aid, humanitarian relief, and economic development within the space of the Palestinian refugee camp. Nell Gabiam describes the interactions between UNRWA, the United Nations agency charged with providing assistance to Palestinians since the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, and residents of three camps in Syria. Over time, UNRWA's management of the camps reveals a shift from an emphasis on humanitarian aid to promotion of self-sufficiency and integration of refugees within their host society. Gabiam's analysis captures two forces in tension within the camps: politics of suffering that serves to keep alive the discourse around the Palestinian right of return; and politics of citizenship expressed through development projects that seek to close the divide between the camp and the city. Gabiam offers compelling insights into the plight of Palestinians before and during the Syrian war, which has led to devastation in the camps and massive displacement of their populations. |