Gamal Abdel Nasser still had the most popular commodity in the Middle Eastthe lure of Arab unity.
A 14-man Algerian delegation, headed by Defense Minister Houari Boumedienne showed up in Cairo to pay its respects. "Regarding Arab unity," said Boumedienne. "our objective should be the creation of solid, strong and healthy bases. The Arab people are not ready to accept another setback, another letdown. For that reason, all steps toward Arab unity must be absolutely unshakeable."
Nasser agreed completely. "We refuse, if anybody asks us,'' he said, "to form a nominal union for outward appearances.'' Later, he fervently told a Syrian delegation headed...