LEBANON: The Nearness of Nasser

Tiny, bustling Lebanon (pop. 1,500,000) is the most stable of all Arab countries, with sturdier traditions of literacy, representative government, religious tolerance and international trade than any of its neighbors. But the announcement of the Syrian-Egyptian union and President Nasser's dramatic visit to Damascus—only a two-hour drive from Beirut—has had an explosive effect among the half of Lebanon's population who are Moslems. A delegation headed by ex-Premier Abdullah el Yafi, leader of the opposition, rushed to Damascus to call on Nasser and extend its congratulations. An estimated 100,000 Lebanese, about 10% of the little country's adult population, have made the...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!