Gamal Abdel Nassir revisited

Gamal Abdel Nassir revisited

Dr. Jassim Taqui

Following the massive defeat of the Arab armies on 6 October 1967, the legendary Egyptian and Arab leader Gamal Abel Nassir addressed the Arabs to declare his responsibility for the defeat. He offered himself for accountability and all consequences thereupon.

None could believe what they heard. The speech created yet another sock among all Arabs who looked upon Nassir as a Bismarck who had the potentials to unify their ranks and put them before the international comity as a one solid and proactive nation.

His friends and foes knew Nassir as an honest and upright person who applied the law of the state on himself and his family before he demanded from his people to respect the writ of the state. Nobody doubted his integrity. Therefore, millions of people took to the streets of Cairo and other Arab capitals asking him to take back his resignation shouting Nassir… Nassir and No Oh Nassir.

I was In Basra, Iraq and I witnessed the huge processions taken by all political parties including the Iraqi Communist Party to show solidarity with the Arab Leader. Earlier, the communists used to be Nassir’s worst critics; describing him as “American Agent. “Thus, 5 June 1967 made history by crowning Nassir as the undisputed pan-Arab leader with only one difference. The Arab masses were his crown.

Subsequent events witnessed the making of a new Nassir. He did everything possible to re-build the Egyptian Armed Forces. He repeatedly stated, “And I believe that whatsoever taken by force, cannot be reigned except by force.” It was the clearest indication that Nassir was preparing the Armed Forces to cross the psychological barrier and the Suez Canal to liberate the occupied Egyptian territories. Nassir died on 28 September 1970 before he could achieve his dream. However, his successor Anwar Al Sadat continued his mission and led his army to cross from despair to victory on October 6, 1973.

Nassir was a unique phenomenon in the Middle East. Arabs could produce only one Nassir. There was and had been no match for his dedication to the cause of the common person, women and the higher causes of the Arabs, Africans, and the Third World causes. His charisma and ability to communicate with Arab masses were unmatched.

Following his untimely passing away, an Arab analyst wrote, “There is a divine wisdom behind Nassir’s death. Had he lived and crossed the Suez Canal, the Arabs would have worshiped him.”