Gamal Abdel Nasser
1918–1970 · Egyptian (Alexandria / Cairo) · Cold War, Pan-Arabism
Known for: Egyptian president who nationalized the Suez Canal and became the symbol of Arab nationalism
Nasser overthrew the Egyptian monarchy in 1952, nationalized the Suez Canal (humiliating Britain and France), and became the charismatic leader of Pan-Arab nationalism. He was the most popular Arab leader of the 20th century—when he announced his resignation after the 1967 Six-Day War defeat, millions of Egyptians poured into the streets begging him to stay.
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