Question 1
Evaluate the interpretations in both of the two passages and explain which you think is more
convincing as an explanation of the impact of the 1967 War on the death of Pan Arabism.
Passage A
The Arab countries were in a state of emotional self‑intoxication as the belief became widespread that final victory over Israel was imminent. Even Nasser abandoned his usual doubts about Arab military capabilities, although he had exaggerated faith in his own military commander. He also believed it was possible that the United States would restrain Israel from attacking and that he could score a tactical victory without fighting.
The shift and shattering course of the Six Day War had many immediate and long‑term consequences. Israel had gained control over all Jerusalem and Palestine; it had occupied the whole of Sinai and was on the banks of the Suez Canal.
Nasser’s heavy share of responsibility in the disaster was clear. And his position, both in Egypt and among the Arabs, was irreparably damaged. In dark tones on the third evening of the war he announced on radio his acceptance of full personal responsibility and his intention to resign. Whether or not Nasser had expected it, the reaction was an overwhelming public demand that he should remain in office.
However, the burden of Arab leadership had finally proved too heavy for Egypt. But it would be an exaggeration to say that the Nasser era in the Middle East came to an end during the Six Day War, although it began an irreversible decline then. In fact, Arab shame and humiliation intensified the anti‑Western trend in parts of the Arab world.
Adapted from: P. Mansfield, A History of the Middle East, published in 2013.
Passage B
The losses of 1967 ushered in a radical new age of Arab politics. The magnitude of the defeat, combined with the deliberate deception of the Arab public, set off a crisis of confidence in Arab political leaders. Even Nasser, back by popular acclaim, was not spared public scorn. Sadat, not always generous to his predecessor, recalled how after the defeat of 1967 people sneered at Nasser and made him a laughing stock. The other Arab leaders enjoyed a moment of respite as Nasser, the Arab colossus, was knocked off his plinth. They no longer had to fear tirades of Nasser’s propaganda machine broadcast over the Voice of Arabs when they failed to toe Egypt’s line. Nevertheless, the moment did not last long. Internal threats swiftly mounted against Arab leaders in the aftermath of the ‘setback’.
Public disenchantment set off a wave of coups and revolutions against governments across the Arab world, just as happened after the 1948 war. Each new government adopted a radical Arab nationalist platform as the basis of their legitimacy, calling for the destruction of Israel, the liberation of Palestine, and triumph over imperialism. The collective Arab defeat in 1967 also convinced Palestinian nationalists to take matters into their own hands.
Adapted from: E. Rogan, The Arabs, published in 2018.
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Answer
