Word: nasserism
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Dates: during 1970-1979
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...Nasser had also come to realize that the future of the Arab world depended on one key achievement: a solution to the 22-year-old Palestinian problem and the status of Israel. After a series of defeats at the hands of the Israelis, he finally concluded that there could be no lasting military settlement?even though he often acted as if that were the only answer to the problem. The Palestinian solution, he would say in private conversations, depended not on war but on the emergence of "a new Arab who would sweep away the old world of sheiks...
...Nasser himself had hoped to create "the new Arab." With this in mind, apparently, he decided to accept the Rogers peace plan two months ago. His death leaves a solution in doubt. No one is strong enough so far to succeed him, not merely as leader of Egypt but as spokesman for the millions of Arabs
WHEN asked why he refused to parcel out any real power to his ministers, Nasser once replied: "Show me ten men I can trust and I'll start delegating authority." Apparently he never found them. Before his death, Nasser refused to groom a political heir. The resulting vacuum in leadership could lead to chaos, to a collective leadership or even to a sudden coup d'etat executed by a young unknown, just as happened 18 years...
...short term, however, there are three present or former Nasser lieutenants who are mentioned most often as successors. To gain the presidency, one of them must be nominated by two-thirds of the 350-member National Assembly and confirmed by popular vote...
...Crowded Field. Perhaps the most obvious possibility is Anwar Sadat, 52, who as Vice President became interim head of state upon Nasser's death. Of the original 14-member revolutionary team that overthrew King Farouk, only two men still hold political posts, and Sadat is one of them. Completely loyal to Nasser, he took on a long succession of foreign and domestic jobs, including the speakership of the National Assembly. Colorless except for his frequent anti-Western snipes, Sadat has never attempted to cultivate a following of his own. Thus his election might temporarily satisfy more serious contenders...