Prior to the mid 50s, Egyptian leaders and intellectuals were not interested in Arab Nationalism, and most Egyptians had never heard of it. Arab Nationalists from the Levant were very frustrated with the Egyptians home they had to drag to Arab conferences and only participate /1
As observers. In the mid 50s Nasser of Egypt accepted a bribe in the form of a promise to turn Egypt to the "Germany" of the Arabs with permanent status of leadership in exchange of bringing Egypt to Arab Nationalism. The venture failed, Egypt paid the price and got nothing /2
This left Egyptians with one of the most severe narcissistic injuries in the ME due to loss of status and a failed investment. The entire venture left Egypt indeed like Germany of the Arabs, but in the negative sense. Egyptian culture, not policies, remain a very negative /3
influence on the region. The more other Arabs become culturally independent from Egyptian media and cultural production monopoly, like the Gulf is currently becoming, the better for the region. As for Egypt itself I say god help them, but any democracy there will not be good.
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