Abstract This paper studies the impact of Gamal Abdel Nasser's leadership in Egypt on the country's economic policy. The paper begins with a brief review of Nasser's rise to power in the 1950s. Next, the paper turns to an assessment of Nasser's various economic policies, including land redistribution, construction of the Aswan Dan and nationalization of the Suez Canal. The paper concludes that Nasser was responsible for redesigning the economic policy of a nation that had endured decades of imperialist rule.
Outline
Introduction
Economic Policy
Land Redistribution
Aswan Dam
Suez Canal
Economic Conclusions
From the Paper "To understand the impact that Nasser had in the economic arena, it is essential to briefly discuss his past and rise to power. Nasser was born in Banny Mor Asyout, Egypt. He eventually moved to Cairo, as a result of his father's job as Inspector in Minister of Post. In Cairo he eventually earned his high school diploma, during which time he partook in several demonstrations against British occupation of his homeland. In 1937 Nasser joined military school, "he graduated on 1938 to join the third platoon in Asyout where he met Anwar El Sadat, and Zakaria Mohyi El Deen who later joined him in the "Free Officers" organization."
Abstract Through an examination of both Machiavelli and Weber's theories regarding the acquisition of power, the practice of authority, and the basis of legitimacy, this paper attempts to prove that the two theories not only complement each other, but complete each other. Following the theoretical discussion, the paper attempts to apply the conclusions of the theoretical section to Egypt's second, and possibly most important president, Gamal Abdel Nasser. Furthermore, the paper attempts to demonstrate that, while Nasser may have initially acquired legitimacy as Egypt's leader due to his charismatic nature, fulfilling one of Weber's three sources of legitimacy, he would not have maintained power nor the ability to exercise authority had he not resorted to a more Machiavellian form of power-play, befriending enemies and then undercutting them, making examples of those who opposed him to prevent further opposition, additionally undermining the power of friends, such as Abdel Hakim Amer, as soon as he perceived them to have excessive power and a base of popularity, which could act as a motivation for acquisition of power and a basis for the legitimate exercise of authority.
From the Paper "Among the fundamental political terms that are in everyday use are authority, power and legitimacy. Most frequently use these words in their daily conversations, referring to a wide variety of power processes, practices of authority and types of legitimacy. For instance, many Egyptians angrily discuss their President's apparently limitless scope of power, his authority over all aspects of government and decision-making, questioning the very basis of his legitimacy, or right to such power and authority. Although they come close to the meaning of these terms, they have not fully grasped their implications, nor would most have guessed that each has undergone a long process of definition and redefinition or that political scientists have yet to forward single comprehensive definitions for each, agreed on by all. In other words, while each of authority, power and legitimacy are commonly used everyday words, this research paper cannot proceed without defining these terms within a political framework."
Abstract The paper introduces the 3 major religions - Judaism, Islam and Christianity. It shows their historical ties to the Holy Land and the significance of these religions to Palestine and Israel. The paper then gives an overview of the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and surmises that the conflict is not a religious one, rather it is a struggle over land.
From the Paper "Moreover, to date, these conditions have further deteriorated in that area. The 11 September attacks were carried out by Arabs lead by Osama Bin Laden based in Afghanistan who expressed solidarity with the Palestinian cause for the first time. This also brought into world focus the South Asian region, US attacks in Afghanistan have further highlighted the second most dangerous flashpoint in the world that is between India and Pakistan.
The Palestinian/Israeli conflict and the south Asian situation can further get out of hand if both sides do not act rationally. Evicting one from the area will not solve the problem instead; it will further worsen the situation. Bilateral talks keeping in mind the proposals of both the sides. US can act as the mediator as it is world's only super power and in spite of all the failures of the recent past can broker a deal between all the concerned parties."
From the Paper Fidel Castro and Gamal Abdel Nasser
On January 8, 1959, Fidel Castro rolled into Havana, Cuba on a U.S.-made Sherman tank to the triumphant welcoming shouts of at least 1 million Cubans, thus beginning a Communist dictatorial regime that has lasted for over 40 years. Castro was born into a large, prosperous farming family on August 13, 1926 or 1927 (CNN.com, 2000). He attended Jesuit schools and studied law. While a student, Castro was also a political activist. And after he received his degree in 1950, he established a private law practice and joined the reformist Cuban People's Party (CNN.com, 2000).
In 1952, Castro's plan to run for a parliamentary seat was foiled when General Batista overthrew the government and canceled the election. After unsuccessfully challenging the regime in court, Castro .."
Abstract Discusses the life, rule, accomplishments & failures of the Egyptian leader. Historical background. Rise to power in 1952. Political actions. Nonalignment policy. Relations with Israel. Alliance with Soviet Bloc. 1956 Suez crisis. Nasser's devotion to Pan-Arabism & impact on U.S. relations. Six-day War (1967). Nasser's contribution to Egypt, including land reform, emancipation of women.
From the Paper "Gamal Abdel-Nasser and the Middle East
Introduction
Gamal Abdel-Nasser is often at the center of a heated controversy whenever Egyptians observe the anniversary of the 23 July 1952 Revolution. The event ended the monarchy and went on to rid Egypt of the last vestiges of Britain's seven.decade occupation, restoring Egypt's status as a leading regional power. Intellectuals and ordinary people alike still debate whether he was a blessing or curse to the country.
Nasser was known for his vehement opposition to Israel and his outspoken criticism of the West, a matter which lost him American and European support, particularly when he embarked on the building of the High Dam, an ambitious project designed to provide Egypt with electricity and protect the country against..."
Abstract This paper breaks the war down, and gives details of the events of each day. The paper also looks at the broader political picture and how this conflict fits into it. By recounting a brief history of the Middle East post World War II and examining the events of the Six-Day War, this paper reveals how Israel's military progress was both advanced and restricted by the influence of the Super-powers in the region.
From the Paper "The Six Days War was essentially a regional conflict until one considers its broader Cold War strategic implications. As a client of the United States, Israel was able to utilize its air power to its fullest, allowing the Israeli army to make astounding gains in the course of a few days. So dominant was the air superiority of Israel that the conquest of the Arab nations surrounding it seemed almost inevitable. Further, support from the United States in the form of military hardware and diplomatic inaction allowed Israel to prosecute the war more effectively and to extend its dominance over its Arab neighbours in less than a week. Conversely, the threat of intervention by the USSR, in order to protect strategic interests in the region, prevented Israel from completely conquering the Middle East. "
Abstract This paper examines how, completed sometime between the years of 1858 and 1869, the Suez Canal has played a major role in the transportation of ships between Europe and the Far East. It looks at how, from the time the passage was first opened until the year it was nationalized by Gamal Abdel Nasser, leader of the Egyptian people, the owners of the canal had been the French and British stockholders, how this nationalization of the Suez Canal caused a major crisis between the East and the West, and how, ironically, the United States and Russia were not involved directly. It looks at how the conflict over the Suez Canal served to make the region a hot-spot during the Cold War and attempts to understand why it was such an important event for all countries involved..
From the Paper "Nasser and the newly formed Arab forces were now concentrating on the destruction of Israel. After meeting with various Third World countries, it was obvious that the goals of these countries continued to be a struggle against the Hashemites for leadership of the Muslim world and to take advantage of anti-Zionist sentiments to unite the Arab peoples. (Judge) As was the goal for most of the Third World countries, they would use the Cold War to their advantage and wait for either the United States or Russia to come running to them and offer something more and better than the other."
Abstract The paper discusses the essential features of Nasser's rule along with the primary events that shaped and exemplified his pivotal place in the history of the twentieth century Arab world. The paper briefly highlights the essential tenets of Arab nationalism and goes on to show how, although Nasser attempted to instill widespread nationalist unity in the Arab world, he nonetheless ultimately failed to fully bring about his Pan Arab ideals. The paper believes that the Arab world's strong national basis for its identity caused the failure of the Arab nationalist movement.
From the Paper "Gamel Abdel Nasser arguably played a greater part in the development of Arab nationalism than any of his contemporises. Indeed, for many years he embodied the central premises of the nationalist ideology and in many respects represented its figurehead in the Arab world. The roots of Arab nationalism can be found in the early years of the twentieth century and therefore Nasser did not play a role in the movements' beginnings. However, during his tenure as President of Egypt from 1956 to 1970 he did more than anyone to foster and propel the vision of an Arab world united in ideology and spirit."