Nasser, Qutb, and the Clash That Shaped the Middle East

In the tumultuous decades following World War II, the Middle East was a crucible of change and conflict. Amidst the rise of Arab nationalism and the resurgence of Islam, two towering figures emerged: Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt and Sayyid Qutb of the Muslim Brotherhood.

Making the Arab World: Nasser, Qutb, and the Clash That Shaped the Middle East

by Fawaz A. Gerges

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1956 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Print length	:	505 pages

FREE

Nasser, a charismatic military leader, sought to unite the Arab world under his banner of Arab nationalism. Qutb, a brilliant Islamic scholar, preached a radical vision of an Islamic caliphate. Their clash would not only shape the destiny of Egypt and the Middle East but would also ignite a conflict that continues to reverberate today.

Nasser: The Rise of Arab Nationalism

Gamal Abdel Nasser was born into a humble family in 1918. He joined the military and quickly rose through the ranks. In 1952, he led a group of young officers in a coup that overthrew the monarchy and established a republic. Nasser became president and embarked on a ambitious program of social and economic reforms.

Nasser's vision was to build a modern, prosperous, and united Arab world. He promoted Arab nationalism and saw Egypt as the leader of the Arab world. He also sought to break free from the influence of the West and build a non-aligned foreign policy.

Nasser's popularity soared as he became a symbol of Arab pride and independence. He nationalized the Suez Canal, defied Western powers, and forged alliances with other Arab leaders. However, his policies also alienated some, including Islamists who opposed his secularism.

Qutb: The Radical Vision of Islamism

Sayyid Qutb was born into a religious family in 1906. He studied Islamic law and literature and became deeply involved in the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist organization. In the 1950s, Qutb was imprisoned by Nasser's government for his political activities.

During his imprisonment, Qutb wrote several influential books that outlined his radical vision of Islamism. He argued that the West was corrupt and decadent and that the only way to return to true Islam was to establish a caliphate. Qutb's ideas would later inspire many Islamist movements, including al-Qaeda and ISIS.

The Clash

The conflict between Nasser and Qutb came to a head in 1965. Qutb was executed after being convicted of sedition and plotting to assassinate Nasser. His death sparked widespread outrage among Islamists and deepened the divide between Islamists and secularists.

The clash between Nasser and Qutb left a profound legacy on the Middle East. Nasser's Arab nationalism provided a powerful rallying cry for Arabs but also alienated those who did not share his secular vision. Qutb's Islamist ideology mobilized millions of Muslims and inspired generations of Islamist movements.

The conflict between Nasser and Qutb continues to reverberate today. The rise of Islamist movements in the Middle East, the Arab Spring, and the ongoing conflicts in Syria and Yemen are all echoes of the clash between these two iconic figures.

Nasser, Qutb, and the Clash That Shaped the Middle East is a gripping and thought-provoking account of one of the most significant conflicts in the modern history of the Middle East. It offers a nuanced and balanced analysis of the two men and their clash and explores the profound impact it has had on the region.

Whether you are a student of history, a Middle East expert, or simply interested in understanding the roots of the current turmoil in the region, this book is a must-read. It provides a fascinating and insightful look at a pivotal moment in the history of the Middle East and its continuing legacy.

Making the Arab World: Nasser, Qutb, and the Clash That Shaped the Middle East

by Fawaz A. Gerges

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1956 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Print length	:	505 pages

FREE