Nasser’s Opposition
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Transcript of Nasser’s Opposition
Treatment of Political Parties, Women, and Minorities
After the Muslim Brotherhood attempted to assassinate Nasser in 1954, 6 members were executed and thousands of others were arrested
Some MB members were held in concentration camps, others went underground to reorganize
Muslim Brotherhood treatment
When the communist party was accused of leading a strike at a factory, Nasser had the army called in to crush it
While Nasser identified with socialist ideals, the communist ideology of workers uniting and overthrowing the upper class disturbed him
Communist Party treatment
Jews were often persecuted in Nasser’s Egypt, often confined to their homes without food, etc.
1959 law stated all workers needed special identification—after your name came your religion, and Jewish workers were not recommended to hire
A large number of Jews tried to leave Egypt during Nasser’s reign, but they had limited relocation options
Jewish Egyptians
Previously very popular (led by Zaghlul, represented Egypt at the Paris Peace Conference, and re-installed by the British in 1942)
Outlawed by Nasser immediately after the 1952 Revolution
Wafd Party
Gained the right to voteNasser tried to improve female literacy/gained
education rights- state education was opened to women
Women were elected to government positions (well, just two, in 1957)
Legal rights and special protection for working womenImprovements were complicated by restrictions in
Islam1962 National Charter stated that women were equal
to men, granted access to Al-Azhar University, a religious institution
Nasser did NOT change discriminatory family laws
Women under Nasser’s Reign
Used radio heavily (this helped since Egypt at its best still had a 50% literacy rate
Influenced novels and newspapers, plays and songs (two well known Arab singers wrote songs of praise for him)
Heavy censorship of media
Like most authoritarian leaders, used powerful emotional speeches to win people’s favor
Use of Propaganda