Chapter 7, The Honeymoon Summary and Analysis

Baer is in Amman, Jordan, in February of 1980. He is on the way to see a Syrian major whom he calls Ali, who is an Alawite, a member of the minority ruling sect. Baer is beginning to become interested in the Muslim Brotherhood at this time

Head of state Asad was an Alawite and trusted the members of the sect. The Alawites held all of the key position. A higher ranking Sunni officer had to obtain permission from a lower ranking Alawite in order to move equipment.

The beliefs of the Alawites are not written, but rather transmitted orally. Some Muslims accuse them of not being true Muslims, and in 1973, the Muslim Brotherhood tried to overthrow Asad. The attempt was unsuccessful.

Baer is stationed in India when he first becomes curious about the Muslim Brotherhood. The group...