Yes, I did mention that pan-arabism. I think that Egypt and Syria even formed a Union at some stage.
from Wikipedia:
‘Nasser remains an iconic figure in the Arab world, particularly for his strides towards social justice and Arab unity, modernization policies, and anti-imperialist efforts. His presidency also encouraged and coincided with an Egyptian cultural boom, and launched large industrial projects, including the Aswan Dam and Helwan City. Nasser’s detractors criticize his authoritarianism, his human rights violations and his dominance of military over civil institutions, establishing a pattern of military and dictatorial rule in Egypt.’ […]
‘He was known to be personally incorruptible, a characteristic which further enhanced his reputation among the citizens of Egypt and the Arab world. Nasser’s personal hobbies included playing chess, American films, reading Arabic, English, and French magazines, and listening to classical music.
Nasser had few personal vices other than chain smoking.’
The latter probably contributed to his early (at 52) death from a heart attack in 1970. Whatever your take on him: an interesting figure.
As said, I’d take him anytime over virtually all extant Arabic leaders (or possibly even the extant American one, for that matter).

I think it was probably the pan-Arabism thing too. The British were used to being in charge in Egypt (and most of the Middle East) and he didn’t buckle to their demands.

The article about Afghanistan pre-Taliban is very interesting. I wish more people were aware of it. Too often people say things like, “they want it that way” or something equally ignorant. They also don’t seem to understand that it’s not always easy to stand up to thugs, especially when mere survival is the imperative.

Apology accepted. I can understand anybody cracking, especially when they know people well who have gone through the cruelty of FGM. I appreciate the apology, and I know the outburst is not like you.

It’s very good to have that particular photo of the young Afghani women in 1972. Most people have absolutely no idea how cosmopolitan Afghanistan was in those days, with many university educated professional women who were involved in many aspects of public society. Searching for more photos and info II found these interesting links re women in Afghanistan before things went so tragically wrong:
– http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2543902/Photos-just-free-women-Afghanistan-Taliban-rule.html; http://dangerousminds.net/comments/it_didnt_always_suck_to_be_a_woman_in_afghanistan; and http://www.pbs.org/wnet/women-war-and-peace/uncategorized/timeline-of-womens-rights-in-afghanistan/

I must apologize to you for my immoderate outburst in a comment to your post on FGM a few weeks ago. I was outraged beyond my ability to contribute substantively to the discussion, and acted in the heat of the moment – I vented my rage on the virtual page and reflexively pressed ‘reply’ before a cooling-off period, which should be compulsory with me. I really wouldn’t want that abominable fool to be castrated, and though I’m not really regretful for cracking cruelly wise, I apologize for expressing myself that way on your site.

Thanks. I appreciate the support, especially from you. 🙂

I think the Internet will help a lot too. I think it’s the main reason behind the spread in atheism/rationalism in recent years too. People have access to ideas they didn’t come across before, and are able to explore those ideas.

Also, quite interesting to see that photo of the Afghani women wearing burkas. Apparently, now it isn’t even modest enough to wear a burka — now they’ve got to put towel/veils on their heads on top of their burkas! Wallah!