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Book Review in the Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs

Michael Sharnoff

RIFAReviewed in the Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs by David Sultan, former Israeli Ambassador to Egypt.

What was Gamal Abdel Nasser’s attitude toward Israel? Did it change as a result of his country’s stunning defeat in the Six-Day War? Was the Egyptian president willing to achieve a political settlement with Israel? Did Israel miss an opportunity to reach an agreement with Nasser? These are some of the questions with which historians and political commentators have been grappling for decades, while offering views that differ in terms of nuance, or more fundamentally, from the canonical version of events.

Read the full review in the Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs.

Check out what other readers are saying here!

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Special Book Discount for Christmas!

Michael Sharnoff

Nassers Peace

Order your copy of Nasser’s Peace in Hardback or eBook at a special discount for delivery before Christmas!

See what early readers are saying here!

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What Readers are Saying about Nasser’s Peace

Michael Sharnoff

Gamal Abdel Nasser was arguably one of the most influential Arab leaders in history. As President of Egypt from 1956 to 1970, he could have achieved a peace agreement with Israel, yet he preferred to maintain his unique leadership role by affirming pan-Arab nationalism and championing the liberation of Palestine, a common euphemism for the destruction of Israel.

Drawing on recently declassified primary sources, Michael Sharnoff thoroughly inspects Nasser’s post-war strategy, which he claims was a four-tiered diplomatic and media effort consisting of his public declarations, his private diplomatic consultations, the Egyptian media’s propaganda machine, and Egyptian diplomatic efforts. Nasser manipulated each tier masterfully, providing the answers they desired to hear, rather than stating the truth: that he wished to maintain control of his dictatorship and of his foothold in the Arab world.

Continue reading “What Readers are Saying about Nasser’s Peace” →

Egypt, Israel, Uncategorized

Nasser’s Peace: Egypt’s Response to the 1967 War with Israel

Michael Sharnoff

NassersPeaceI am thrilled to announce the release of my first book, Nasser’s Peace: Egypt’s Response to the 1967 War with Israel.

Gamal Abdel Nasser was arguably one of the most influential Arab leaders in history. As President of Egypt from 1956 to 1970, he could have achieved a peace agreement with Israel, yet he preferred to maintain his unique leadership role by affirming pan-Arab nationalism and championing the liberation of Palestine, a common euphemism for the destruction of Israel.

In that era of Cold War politics, Nasser brilliantly played Moscow, Washington, and the United Nations to maximize his bargaining position and sustain his rule without compromising his core beliefs of Arab unity and solidarity. As the 50th anniversary of the 1967 War approaches, Nasser’s Peace provides timely analysis of how a developing country can rival world powers and how fluid the definition of “peace” can be.

Nasser’s Peace is available on Amazon.

 

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What Can You Do with a CofC History Degree?

Michael Sharnoff

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Published in the College of Charleston Department of History.

College of Charleston had a profound impact on my understanding and appreciation for history in general and Middle Eastern studies in particular. I am a South Carolina native and have always been fascinated in history and foreign affairs, ever since a family trip to the Middle East when I was a teenager. So it wasn’t a surprise when I decided to major in History. I arrived at College of Charleston enthusiastic about my studies, inspired by childhood trips to faraway lands.

The 9/11 terrorist attacks occurred during my first semester at the College of Charleston. I subsequently enrolled in as many courses relating to Islam and the Middle East as possible, hoping to better understand this complex and dynamic region. CofC’s academic experience provided a strong foundation for my appreciation and understanding of the history, politics and culture of the region, and piqued my curiosity. At the time, I was not entirely sure about my career direction, but I knew I liked research, writing and interacting in diverse settings. I enjoy challenges and over time excelled in articulating complex and critical issues relating to the Middle East. Continue reading “What Can You Do with a CofC History Degree?” →

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Arab Decline and Iran’s Rising Influence

Michael Sharnoff

Saudi-King-Salman-and-Iranian-Ayatollah-Khameini-800x425Published in Your Middle East.

Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser, leader of the largest Arab nation during the 1950s and 1960s, was one of the most popular and charismatic statesmen of the twentieth century. In his 1954 memoir, The Philosophy of the Revolution, Nasser claimed that Egypt’s unique geography and historical legacy enhanced its ability to influence Africa, the Muslim world, and the Arab world. Of these three significant regions, it was the Arab world which captivated Nasser’s attention the most: “I always imagine that in this region in which we live there is a role wandering aimlessly about in search of an actor to play it.”

Nasser’s ultimate vision was to become the undisputed leader of the Arab world, and to exert his influence beyond Egypt’s borders. He implemented a brief union with Syria (1958-61) and renamed both nations as the United Arab Republic, but the project collapsed because Syrians viewed it more as an Egyptian occupation rather than a merger of equals.

Continue reading “Arab Decline and Iran’s Rising Influence” →

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Happy New Year

Michael Sharnoff

originalWishing everyone a very happy and healthy New Year. For all those who have enjoyed this site, I would like to invite you to visit Sharnoff’s Global Views, a new global op-ed forum featuring original content by internationals for Americans.

Please read well wishes for the New Year from His Holiness the Dalai Lama at www.sharnoffsglobalviews.com and share with friends, family and colleagues. Have them join our 80K+ growing worldwide community.

For instant updates and breaking news, join our worldwide Twitter community @sgviews

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New Global Op-Ed Forum

Michael Sharnoff

I recently launched a new global op-ed forum called Sharnoff’s Global Views which provides a platform specifically for internationals to share views with Americans about politics, economics, technology, environment and other relevant issues. Continue reading “New Global Op-Ed Forum” →