The Arab countries looked up to Nasser as a leader who could withstand the pressure exerted by Western countries on Egypt to make peace with Israel. Critically examine.

Answer:

Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt emerged as the foremost leader of Arab nationalism, admired for defying Western pressure and championing Arab unity and independence.

Nasser's Appeal

• His overthrow of the monarchy and assertion of Egyptian sovereignty inspired the Arab world.
• Nationalisation of the Suez Canal (1956) and survival of the Anglo-French-Israeli attack made him a hero of anti-imperialism.

Standing Up to the West

• Promoted Pan-Arabism and non-alignment, accepting Soviet aid (Aswan Dam) to reduce dependence on the West.
• Opposed Western-sponsored pacts and pressure to accommodate Israel.

Critical Assessment

• His prestige suffered a serious blow in the Six-Day War (1967) defeat by Israel.
• The union with Syria (UAR) failed, exposing the limits of Pan-Arabism.

Therefore, Nasser was indeed looked up to as a defiant symbol of Arab dignity against Western pressure, though the 1967 defeat and setbacks revealed the constraints on his leadership.