To cite an old Egyptian cliche, Nasser (1918-1970) was the 'first Egyptian to rule Egypt since Cleopatra.' Deposing the corrupt king Farouk, abolishing the monarchy and negotiating the withdrawal of the British, Nasser was truly beloved by millions. Even after catastrophic military disaster in the 'Six-Day War' of 1967, having resigned in humiliation, such was his standing that people filled the streets to clamour for his reinstatement. In this captivating profile, Joel Gordon examines the legacy of the famous autocrat, being careful to include his limitations as well as his many strengths.
Autorentext
Joel Gordon is Associate Professor of Modern Middle East History and Popular Culture at the University of Arkansas. He is author of Nasser's Blessed Movement: Egypt's Free Officers and the July Revolution, currently in its second edition.
Inhalt
Acknowledgments
Note on transliteration
INTRODUCTION: BELOVED OF MILLIONS
1 WE'RE THE PEOPLE: 1918?1956
Modest beginnings
False hopes
Nights around the campfire
Free Officers
New era
2 THE GREATER NATION: 1956?1961
Gaza and Suez
Remaking Egypt
The Arab circle
Union
July 1958 ? three crises
3 THE SOCIALIST GARDEN: 1961?1967
Arab socialism
Cultural revolutions
Democracy?
Hot and cold wars
Toward ruin
4 RUINS: 1967?1970
Staying on
Brothers divided
Shifting sands
Attrition
Race against death
CONCLUSION: A PICTURE
You live!
Successors
Legacies
Bibliographic essay
Index