Egypt: Arab Socialism

For most of the past decade, Gamal Abdel Nasser’s one-man rule of Egypt has rested on a two-word slogan: “Arab socialism.” Brandishing this vague concept, Nasser has expropriated private property, conducted political purges, ranted against other Arab states, and modestly improved the lot of impoverished fellahin (peasants). Last week Nasser spelled out in greater detail just what “Arab socialism” is supposed to mean.

Striding to the rostrum of Cairo University’s Celebration Hall, Nasser faced 1,750 delegates attending the first session of the National Congress of Popular Forces, which will write a new charter for Egypt. Then the President smiled serenely, swung into a five-hour address that ended at midnight. Highlights: the country’s long exploited fellahin should get political representation; nationalization of basic industries will continue; a vast social welfare program will aim at improving the lot of Egypt’s downtrodden millions. “Social freedom.” declared Nasser, repeating a favorite theme, “is the only door to political freedom.”

On many issues, Nasser’s program was marked by a new moderation. He pledged to permit private ownership of 100-acre farms and small businesses, disappointed Moscow by renouncing the class struggle because it leads to bloodshed. “Social experiences are capable of passing from one place to another,” he said, “but cannot be blindly copied.”

Nasser knows that political manifestoes are only guidelines to his goal of remaking Egypt. To finance his revolution, he is relying on massive foreign aid from both East and West. The International Monetary Fund recently allotted Egypt $42.5 million in hard currency for development projects; Cairo is currently seeking $450 million more from the U.S. for new aid schemes (total U.S. aid committed since 1952: $660 million). But even such an outpouring of money and technical help may not make “Arab socialism” viable. Population is rising at the rate of more than 500,000 a year, and already it is doubtful whether the huge, Soviet-financed Aswan High Dam irrigation and power project will be enough to meet the country’s needs by the time it is due to be finished, around 1970.