Word: arabism
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Dates: during 1950-1959
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Bourguiba makes no secret of his sympathy for the Algerian rebels. One of the West's sturdiest and earliest friends in Arab North Africa, he argues that if Tunisia does not help the F.L.N., Algeria's rebels will turn to Cairo and the Soviet Union. He is tied to France by education and training, and his wife is French. When Bourguiba won his country's independence two years ago, he pledged himself and his new country to maintain "special links" with France, still looks to it for economic help. He has curbed the power of his anti...
...Tunisia is unique in the Arab world as having allied herself unequivocally with the Western bloc," says Bourguiba. "Tunisia is a bastion in North Africa, and U.S. support is vital if I am to maintain my influence with the Algerians. The only thing that has kept the Algerians from moving over to the side of Nasser is the help they are getting from Tunisia." Last week Bourguiba called it "disquieting" that the F.L.N. leaders, who have recently held their councils of war in Tunis, have shifted their next meeting to Cairo...
...Within the Arab world." said Egypt's Strongman Nasser in 1953, "there is a role wandering aimlessly in search of a hero." Last week President Nasser made his biggest bid yet for the role of Arabism's hero. Meeting simultaneously in Cairo and Damascus, the Egyptian and Syrian Parliaments unanimously adopted his terms for immediate union and nominated him as sole candidate for President of the United Arab Republic...
...Long live Gamal, founder of Arab union!" roared the Cairo Deputies of the first leader to make a start toward the ancient dream of Arab brotherhood since Saladin united his Saracen hosts against the Crusaders in 1174. In Syria's Damascus the celebration was wilder. Bedouins whirled through the Arab sword dance. Soviet-made helicopters swooped overhead, 50,000 citizens paraded with their "Arab Unity" banners past the Parliament. Dark-suited legislators, who had just voted themselves and aging President Kuwatly out of jobs, produced guns from somewhere and blazed away into the sky in celebration...
Kuwatly's nationalists, who had always favored federation, suddenly realized that federation would still leave the way clear for Khaled el Azm to become President of Syria, began pressing Nasser for an outright merger. Nasser, who not only shared their misgivings but saw a chance to regain the Arab world leadership lost by his ignominious Sinai defeat at the hands of Israel, set one big condition. He demanded that the Syrians agree to dissolve all parties in the merger, and accept a single Nasserite National Union such as he has formed in Egypt. Kuwatly and other nationalists agreed...