The Suez Crisis

After the end of the war (World War II) in the international politics of the USSR, one of the most important places was assigned to the Middle East. The Arab countries received various assistance - military, moral, and political.

The Suez crisis of 1956 was the first test of the strength of Soviet influence in the Middle East.

The USSR supplied military equipment, weapons, sent experts and military advisers to countries that could (allegedly) participate in a military confrontation.

Under British control, in fact, until the mid-1950s, Egypt remained. In 1951, the Egyptian government terminated the treaty, according to which British troops were stationed on the territory of the country. However, Britain not only did not withdraw them, but increased their numbers. In response, protests were held around the country, partisan struggle began against the British occupiers.

In 1952, on July 23, the conflict in Egypt resulted in a revolution. Colonel Nasser, who headed the political organization "Free Officers", having overthrown the monarchical regime, proclaimed the country a republic.

The policy pursued by the new government has significantly exacerbated relations with Britain and Israel. Britain, seeking to extend the presence of its army in Egypt, signed an agreement with Nasser on the withdrawal of troops for twenty months and the transfer of military facilities to the Egyptian government. In 1955, the Baghdad Pact was created with the participation of Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Britain, Pakistan. Egypt was also invited to join it. However, Nasser refused.

The situation in the Middle East has become more and more complicated. Israel, as well as the countries participating in the Baghdad Pact in the eyes of Egypt, were a hostile environment. The Western colonial system disintegrated. This was evidenced by the independence of Morocco, Tunisia, Sudan, Syria. People's Liberation War was held in Algeria. At the same time, favorable conditions were created for the development of Soviet influence in this region. This, in turn, caused concern in NATO.

It should be noted that the fears were under the ground. The fact is that Nasser in 1955 turned to Western countries for help. Egypt requested military support, but was refused. In this regard, Nasser turned to the USSR. The Soviet Union did not refuse Egypt. Through Czechoslovakia, the sale of Russian weapons was secretly established.

The anxiety of Western countries grew. They did not want the presence of the Soviet Union in the Middle East. President Eisenhower promised to provide Nasser with financial assistance in the construction of the Aswan Dam. But after the Egyptian president began buying weapons from the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic and established diplomatic relations with the PRC, the US government declined the offer. As a result, Nasser was in a desperate situation, as the collapse of the project could provoke an economic crisis in the country. Assessing the situation, the Egyptian president took extreme measures. Nasser decided to nationalize the Suez Canal. In 1956, on July 26, the president announced at a grand rally that the proceeds from the nationalization would go to the construction of the Aswan Dam. From this moment the Suez crisis began to develop actively.

Nasser's economic activities, which were of a revolutionary nature, were carried out against the backdrop of the development of the military policy of the Egyptian president. Nasser, having received military support, began to openly claim leadership in the Middle East. By mid-1956, with his support, a joint command of the troops of Syria, Jordan and Egypt was formed. Preparations for war with Israel began.

The Suez crisis worsened. Nasser's actions were concerned in Paris and London. Together with this, these countries could not start actively expressing outrage, since it did not suit America.

As a result, a secret plan was developed. Its essence was that Israeli troops would invade Egypt. London and Paris will be offered to stop the hostilities. If at least one of the parties refuses, the Allied forces (Anglo-French) will begin to take appropriate measures to ensure the security of the Suez Canal. After the approval of the plan began systematic preparation for its implementation.

The invasion began in 1965, on October 29. By November 5, Israeli troops occupied the entire Sinai Peninsula. Subsequently, active attacks, bombardments, landing operations began.

The Suez crisis was able to stop the USSR. On November 5, the Soviet government sent telegrams to the heads of government of Israel, France and England. They pointed out that the war with Nasser could go to the Third World War, in which "missile technology" could be applied. Thus, the USSR did not exclude the possibility of a forceful resolution of the conflict. The Soviet Union was ready to take extreme measures to liquidate the Suez crisis.

As a result, on November 8, all military actions were stopped.