World: Nasser's Legacy: Hope and instability

Within the Arab circle, there is a role wandering aimlessly in search of a hero. This role is beckoning to us to move, to take up its lines, to put on its costume and give it life.

—Gamal Abdel Nasser Egypt's Liberation

THAT mystical role has still not found its hero; perhaps it never will. It lingered long and lovingly when it happened upon Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, but then it moved on—still searching. Yet Nasser came closer to filling the role than any other man since the 12th century warrior Saladin or perhaps the powerful 9th century...

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