Suez 1956

This book provides an in-depth analysis of the 1956 Suez crisis, exploring its origins, key decisions, and lasting impacts through insights from prominent contributors, including those directly involved in the events.

"Suez 1956" provides a comprehensive examination of the Suez Crisis, drawing on newly available evidence to explore its origins and consequences. The contributors, many of whom were directly involved in the events of 1956, offer valuable personal insights alongside their analyses of the decisions made during this pivotal moment in history. The opening chapters delve into the historical context leading up to the crisis, including the British occupation of Egypt, unresolved tensions surrounding Palestine, and the implications of the Baghdad Pact of 1955, which effectively polarized the Middle East.

The book's second section focuses on the crisis itself, detailing the events preceding and during the invasion of Egypt by British, French, and Israeli forces in November 1956. It raises critical questions regarding the British intentions for a new regime to replace Nasser's government, the reasons behind the abrupt halt of the invasion, and the role of the American government in demanding troop withdrawal. These discussions illuminate the broader impact of the crisis on British and French decolonization efforts and the evolving nature of international relations in the region.

In the concluding sections, Albert Hourani synthesizes the contributors' insights, providing systematic answers to the questions posed throughout the book. With contributions from notable scholars and participants, "Suez 1956" serves as both a historical account and a reflective analysis, highlighting the lasting legacy of the crisis on contemporary Middle Eastern politics and the special relationship between Britain and the United States.