NASSER created and developed the “Free Officers” secret movement in the Egyptian army, in order to obtain Egypt Independence and modernization. Monarchy was abolished and British colonialist authorities evacuated. He became President of the new Republic, nationalized the Suez Canal, built the Aswan Dam to electrify the country and to develop the industry, developed education for all and modern institutions. He became a leader of Pan-Arabism and “non-aligned countries” against the Cold War between USSR-USA. He worked for a United Nations protecting small states against the superpowers hegemony. After the “Six Days War” defeat for Egypt, Nasser gave his resignation, but a majority of Egyptians asked him to stay. He did, but not for long. At 52 he died after a series of heart attacks and it was worldwide a reaction of mourning as it had been for John F. Kennedy.
© Alice Labrèque and Jean Routier, 2012