A newly surfaced audio recording of former Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser has sparked intense debate across Egypt, casting fresh scrutiny on the late leader’s legacy as a champion of Arab nationalism and the Palestinian cause.
The recording, made public by Nasser’s son via his personal YouTube channel, captures a 1970 conversation between Nasser and then-Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. In it, Nasser expresses surprising disinterest in the Palestinian issue, stating, “We have no interest in the Palestinian issue. We will only talk about Sinai. When [the Israelis] leave Sinai, there will be an agreement.” He also voices doubts about the prospect of defeating Israel militarily, referring instead to a preference for a “non-violent and defeatist solution.”
The remarks stand in stark contrast to Nasser’s long-standing public posture as a fierce opponent of Israel and a vocal advocate for Palestinian statehood. During his presidency, Nasser played a central role in establishing the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), led the Arab coalition in the 1967 Six-Day War, and frequently invoked militant rhetoric against Israel.
The release of the tape has divided public opinion. Defenders, including Nasser’s family, argue that the comments reflect a candid and pragmatic view of regional politics, spoken in private during a time of intense pressure. Critics, however, accuse Nasser of duplicity—saying the recording reveals a profound disconnect between his public persona and private convictions.
“This is a moment of reckoning for how we remember our leaders,” said one Egyptian political analyst. “The myth of Nasser as an unwavering pan-Arab hero is being challenged by his own words.”
The Alexandria Library, which holds much of Egypt’s archival material, has denied allegations that the recording was leaked from its collections. Meanwhile, the release has reignited demands for increased public access to Egypt’s classified historical documents. Several lawmakers have called for freedom of information legislation to allow researchers and citizens to scrutinize the country’s modern history more openly.
The conversation was recorded just weeks before Nasser’s death in September 1970. Though revered by many for his role in reshaping post-colonial Egypt and the Arab world, this newly publicized audio threatens to complicate the legacy of one of the Middle East’s most iconic leaders.
