The policy of the United States in connection with the rivalry now prevailing between Col. Gamal Abdel Nasser, president of the United Arab Republic, and Gen. Abdul Karim el-Kassem, Premier of Iraq–inasmuch as it may affect the interests of Israel–was a subject of discussion at Israel’s Cabinet meeting today. Foreign Minister Golda Meir reviewed the latest Middle East developments at the meeting.
Israeli circles believe that renewed attempts on the part of the United States to seek Nasser’s friendship are unlikely to succeed in the long run. They point out that Nasser’s interests, clash with Washington’s desire for stability in the Middle East. They are of the opinion that any effort to woo Nasser may cause grave damage, by undermining the anti-Nasser elements in the pro-Western Arab countries.
(The Washington Post, a leading American newspaper, says in an editorial: “A word of caution is in order in welcoming the resumption of American wheat sales to Egypt. More normal relations with the UAR are certainly desirable. However, it is important to avoid giving the impression that the pendulum is swinging all the way in the direction of Nasser, Nasserism is no more attractive merely because Col. Nasser is making anti-Communist noises.” Pointing out that it was Nasser himself who introduced strong Soviet influence in the Middle East, the editorial stresses that “he has been playing the West and East alternatively, so his motives must remain aspect.”)
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
