Gamal Abdel Nasser
A Close Look at the July Revolution The years from 1820 to 1956

Gamal Abdel Nasser was one of Egypt's most influential, most powerful leaders, loved by his fellow countrymen, and respected by both friends and foes. His life was a continuous struggle for freedom. He was the real motor behind the outbreak of the 23 July Revolution, its principles and achievements and has made enormous contributions to liberation movements all over the Arab world and Africa. Nasser was also a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) created at the peak of the Cold War between East and West.

The early years Nasser was born on 15 January 1918 in a village in Upper Egypt from which his family moved later to Alexandria where he attended school. During the secondary stage, he joined the Organisation of Green Shirts to fight the British occupation. After secondary school years, Nasser enrolled in the Faculty of Law only to leave it later for the Military Academy. He graduated in 1938, served in Sudan and participated in the 1948 War of Palestine. The political corruption which caused the defeat of the Egyptian Army in Palestine was the driving force for the creation of the Free Officers' Movement which toppled the country's Monarchical regime in 1952.

Nasser the revolutionary and the ruler In his book The Philosophy of the Revolution, Nasser underlines the fact that the July Revolution has come to achieve the people's aspirations. Throughout modern history, Egyptians dreamt of being ruled by one of their own, of having the final say in their country's affairs. To this end, many attempts were made, none of which succeeded until the July Revolution of 1952. The book also cites the reasons for which the revolution was attempted stressing it is not a military rebellion or coup but a popular revolution.

Nasser notes there were two sides to the 1952 July Revolution: A political side whereby Egyptians regained their right to being ruled by one of heir own, and to being rid of a despot and of an occupation army. And a social side whereby justice and equality were achieved to Egyptians, members of the same community. With his assuming power as President of Egypt, Nasser realised there are several circles where Egyptian diplomatic and political efforts should be concentrated:

The Arab circle Egyptians are an intrinsical part of the Arab nation, their history associated with the Arab history, their interests inter-linked with theirs. The African circle Egypt is an African country which sits sentry-like at the northern tip of the continent. Egypt has taken it upon itself to spread the light of civilisation in the dark of the virgin forests of Black Africa. Egypt's life-line the River Nile has its sources there too, which puts Africa at centre stage in Egyptian policies.

The Islamic circle Egypt stands linked with the Islamic world with numerous historical and religious bonds. In dealing with the realities, Nasser embraced the same revolutionary spirit embodied in the 23 July Revolution; an event which triggered many political, economic and social changes at home. On the external front, Nasser stood staunchly resisting Western policies in the region as represented in the Baghdad pact. He further supported the Algerian revolution, and the feda'eyeen activities against Israel; concluded an arms deal with Czechoslovakia which triggered anxiety in the West and adopted a policy of positive neutrality.

When the West withdrew its promised financing of the High Dam, Nasser reacted by nationalising the Suez Canal. A failed Tripartite Aggression was mounted against Egypt, which prompted Egypt's liquidation of Western interests; an operation taking the form of the Egyptianisation of foreign banks, insurance companies and other businesses.

Egypt also opposed the Eisenhaur project and sent troops to protect Syria against threats posed by the West and pro-Western Arab regimes. A unity was even declared between Egypt and Syria, Nasser further extended Cairo's support to the 1958 Iraqi Revolution which undermined the Baghdad Pact. A unity was even declared between Egypt and Syria, Nasser further extended Cairo's support to the 1958 Iraqi Revolution which undermined the Baghdad Pact. In Africa, Egypt's assistance was most felt wherever movements arose seeking to insure freedom and independence in African countries.

Then came the blow, with the defeat of the Egyptian Army against Israel on 5 June, 1967. Nasser announced his resignation but was forced to reverse his decision when Egyptians went out in their thousands expressing confidence in and support for him. Since then and until he died on 28 September, 1970, Nasser engaged Egypt in a war of attrition against Israel, a war which paved the way for the October victory in 1973.