DBQ Question – How did Anwar Sadat impact United States’ foreign policy in the Middle East?
Shanna Krueger
Dayton High School
Dayton, Nevada
skrueger@lyon.k12.nv.us
DBQ Question – How did Anwar Sadat impact United States’ foreign policy in the Middle East?
The relationship between United States has been changing since the nationalist revolution
of Egypt in 1952. This relationship has changed depending on the leadership of both countries.
The fear of the Cold War, communism, Palestinian terrorism, control of oil, and difference of
culture between the two countries has impacted their treatment of each other. A turbulent
relationship through their history of foreign policy, it was the work of Anwar Sadat who
cemented the relationship between Egypt and the United States.
Egypt had been controlled by Great Britain since the 1880s, even though it was never
officially a colony. Great Britain’s interest in the region was tied closely to the Suez Canal,
which linked the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia.1 The British also became more
involved in the region in the post World War I era, with the Balfour Declaration. This policy
statement released by Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour stated that the British government
supported the creation of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. 2 President Woodrow Wilson showed
his commitment to a Jewish homeland in August of 1918 in an open letter to Rabbi Stephen
Wise.3
The United States became more involved in the Middle East in the aftermath of World
War II. President Franklin D. Roosevelt met with King Ibn Saud in February of 1945. During
this meeting Saud commented to Roosevelt that the Arabs would choose death over the idea of
giving up any of their lands to Jews. FDR responded that the US would not help the Jews
1
John Lewis Gaddis, The Cold War: A New History (The Penguin Press: New York, 2005, Kindle Edition), Location
1986-92.
2
Douglass Little, American Orientalism: The United States and the Middles East Since 1945, (Chapel Hill: University
of North Carolina Press, 2002, Kindle Edition), Location 342-46.
3
Ibid. Location 353-357.
DBQ Question – How did Anwar Sadat impact United States’ foreign policy in the Middle East?
against the Arabs and would not act hostile towards Arabic people.4 In the months following this
meeting, state department personnel, Wallace Murray warned his supervisors that FDR’s support
of Zionism could lead to bloodshed in the Middle East and would endanger the oil relationship
with Saudi Arabia.5
The images of a Jewish homeland versus the Arabic people living in the Middle East
visited many Americans in the reading of the monthly magazine, National Geographic. One
such article from the mid 1940s called “Palestine Today” showed the Jewish homeland on
Palestine comparable to how United States citizens immigrated to California in the 1880s.6
Photos published in National Geographic showed a pretty Jewish holocaust survivor working in
a field and then showed an Arabic farmer clad in traditional clothing, holding a sword as he
watched three Palestinian workers.7
Another example of the cultural differences between the Middle East and the United
States occurred during the Truman Administration. Kind Saud’s minister of finance, Abdullah
Suleiman met with Truman during August of 1946 to ask for help on a Saudi irrigation project.
Truman’s response was that Moses should be sent out to strike rocks with his staff to help them
find water.8
Truman’s administration felt that the people in the Middle East were a group of
uncertainty. They felt that both the political and religious extremism could set up a big concern
4
Ibid. Location 445 -59.
Ibid. Location 453 – 56.
6
Ibid. Location 468 – 72.
7
Ibid. Location 476-79.
8
Ibid. Location 497 -501.
5
DBQ Question – How did Anwar Sadat impact United States’ foreign policy in the Middle East?
when it came to US interests in the region.9 This uncertainty continued into the Eisenhower
presidency, where Eisenhower had to confront the issue of Egypt nationalism and the crisis of
Cold War communism.
The Suez Canal in Egypt became an issue during the Eisenhower administration. The
Suez Canal was owned by The Suez Canal Company and was opened in 1869.10 After years of
British control in the region, there was a nationalist revolution in Egypt in 1952 and the British
agreed to remove their military bases in 1954 and the right to bring in forces to protect the canal
if necessary.11 This was the height of the Cold War and Gamal Abdel Nasser had managed to
overthrow British control without the direct help of either the United States or the Soviet Union.
Nasser’s aim was to become the principal leader of the Arab world and to remain neutral from
both Cold War partners, yet he wanted to take advantage of both the main players of the Cold
War.12
Nasser took advantage of his relationship with the United States by asking for funds to
help with the Aswan High Dam, which he claimed was a project to crucial to the Egyptian
economic development. But, playing the Cold War cards, he also bought weapons from
Czechoslovakia, a Soviet controlled country.13 John Dulles, Eisenhower’s Secretary of State, felt
that the arms deal would make Nasser and Egypt a “tool of the Russians.” Yet Egypt then
decided to recognize the People’s Republic of China, which upset Dulles. Dulles canceled US
9
Ibid. Location 512 -16.
“Suez Canal Opens – History.com This Day in History.” Retrieved 4/26/2011. History.com/…/suez-canal-opens
11
Gaddis, The Cold War, Location 1986-92.
12
Ibid. 1992 – 99.
13
Ibid.
10
DBQ Question – How did Anwar Sadat impact United States’ foreign policy in the Middle East?
financing of the Aswan High Dam. Nasser in retaliation, allowed the Soviets to fund the dam,
and this allowed him to announce the nationalization of the Suez Canal.14
This chain of events upset both the British and the French who then proceeded to
negotiate with Israel. The two European countries decided with the Israelis that the Israelis
would attack the canal and then the British and French would have to provide military support to
protect it, although their real ploy was to get rid of Nasser.15 While this seemed like a great plan
for the two European countries, they failed to notify the politicians of Washington. It also took
place at the end of October, 1956 which was the same time as revolutions in Poland and
Hungary. President Eisenhower was furious and felt that the Europeans were starting to look
colonial again. The event also almost broke up the NATO alliance.16
The real winner of this whole event was Nasser as he retained control of the Suez Canal,
it made France and England look bad, it pitted the Cold War superpowers against each other, and
in the end, Nasser remained the undisputed leader of Arab nationalism.17
It was this Suez War in late 1956 that shaped President Eisenhower’s Middle East policy.
It was on January 5, 1957 that Eisenhower addressed Congress about the region. Eisenhower
was worried that the region would fall under the control of communism and asked Congress to
give economic and military aid to any Middle Eastern countries at the risk of falling to the
14
Ibid. Location 1999-2005.
Ibid. Location 2005-12.
16
Ibid. Location 2012- 18.
17
Ibid.
15
DBQ Question – How did Anwar Sadat impact United States’ foreign policy in the Middle East?
communist threat. Eisenhower wanted to keep Middle Eastern countries independent with this
support and this concept became known as the Eisenhower Doctrine.18
As a country, the independence of this region was less of a concern, since many
Americans supported Israel and their goals. During Eisenhower’s Administration, many
Americans supported a Jewish homeland in the Middle East as a sort of atonement for not getting
involved sooner in preventing the Holocaust.19
During the Six Day War of 1967, Israel seized Sinai, the West Bank, and Golan Heights
with the support of US President, Lyndon Johnson. The Middle East from Cairo to Kuwait City
erupted in a wave of anti-Americanism.20 The citizens in the United State supported Israel, in a
real life, David and Goliath fight, with Israel filling the role of David.21 In fact, the results of a
public opinion poll from the time, Americans supported Israel, 19-1.22
After this event, Soviet interest in the region seemed to be waning. During the Six Day
War, Soviet leader Brezhnev did nothing to prevent Israel from taking land in the region and it
seemed that Brezhnev did little to help Egypt get these lands back.23 Nasser, although Egypt lost
the land, was revered as a leader throughout the region, until his death in 1970.24
18
Salim Yaqub. Containing Arab Nationalism: The Eisenhower Doctrine and the Middle East. (Chapel Hill:
University of North Carolina Press, 2004) p. 1.
19
Little. American Orientalsim. Location 541 -45.
20
Ibid. Location 589 0 93.
21
Ibid. Location 593-507.
22
Ibid. Location 598-601.
23
Gaddis. The Cold War. Location 3258 – 64.
24
Egypt: US Department of State: Diplomacy in Action. Retreived4/27/2011. Last updated November 10, 2010.
www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5309.htm
DBQ Question – How did Anwar Sadat impact United States’ foreign policy in the Middle East?
After the death of Nasser, Vice-President, Anwar el-Sadat was elected the President in
1971.25 Sadat early on had a treaty with the Soviets, but then decided to end his relationship with
the Soviets.26 Sadat felt that a relationship with the US would benefit him more as they had a
connection with Israel. Originally President Nixon and his Secretary of State Kissinger ignored
Sadat, even after Sadat kicked out about 15,000 Soviet advisors. In October of 1973, Sadat
launched a surprise attack across the Suez Canal to obtain the attention of the United States.27
His plan worked, as he felt he would probably lose the war, but instead he desired a politically
win. He felt that the Americans would not let the Israelis humiliate a leader who had already
removed power from the Soviet Union in the region. The Israelis did rebuff the attack with the
help of US military supplies, and Soviet leader Brezhnev asked for a cease fire. Kissinger
refused, going so far as ordering a brief nuclear alert to show the Soviets he meant business.
Kissinger then went on to help both Egypt and Israel negotiate an end to the hospitalities, gaining
US support from the two countries, while the Soviets received nothing.28
Sadat brought domestic change by allowing more political freedom and a new economic
policy to his country. He relaxed government control and encouraged private and even foreign
investment in Egypt.29 During this time frame, Nixon and Kissinger worked behind the scene
with Sadat to work on an Arab-Israeli truce. Many Americans and even Israelis considered
Sadat to be a “good Arab”.30
25
Ibid.
Gaddis. The Cold War. Locations 3258-64.
27
Ibid.
28
Ibid. Locations 3264 – 70.
29
Egypt: US State Department.
30
Little. American Orientalism. Locations 619 -623.
26
DBQ Question – How did Anwar Sadat impact United States’ foreign policy in the Middle East?
In November, 1977, Sadat visited Jerusalem. This gave President Jimmy Carter the
opportunity to invite both Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Begin to join him in peace talks at
Camp David in 1978. These talks led to the Egypt-Israeli peace accord signed in March, 1979.
While this peace accord eventually allowed Egypt to retain the Sinai in May 1982 and improved
US/Egyptian relations during the time frame, it did upset some Egyptians and most other Arabic
states in the region.31
US political reaction to Sadat was strong. President Nixon had commented that Sadat
was sophisticated, constructive, and an essential influence in the Middle East.32 While he
worked with Sadat, President Carter admired Sadat more than any other leader and remarked that
he would be “a man who would change history.”33
On October 6, 1981, Islamic extremists assassinated Sadat in Egypt.34 Current and
former US President, Carter, Ford, and Nixon along with most American citizens were shocked
as he was gunned down in Cairo.35 Sadat’s role was over in Egypt and he was remembered as a
positive leader from the vantage of United States. Jimmy Carter remarked when heard the news
of the assassination that, “Sadat was a great and good man”, who was a victim of his enemies v
who were, “obsessed with hatred for his peaceful goals.”36
31
Egypt: US State Department.
Little. American Orientalism. Locations 623- 626.
33
Ibid. Locations 626-629.
34
Egypt: US State Department.
35
Little. American Orientalism. Locations 626-629.
36
Ibid. Locations 629- 633
32
DBQ Question – How did Anwar Sadat impact United States’ foreign policy in the Middle East?
Works Cited
Egypt: US Department of State: Diplomacy in Action. Retreived4/27/2011. Last updated November 10,
2010. www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5309.htm
John Lewis. The Cold War: A New History (The Penguin Press: New York, 2005, Kindle Edition).
Little, Douglass. American Orientalism: The United States and the Middles East Since 1945, (Chapel Hill:
University of North Carolina Press, 2002, Kindle Edition).
“Suez Canal Opens – History.com This Day in History.” Retrieved 4/26/2011. History.com/…/suez-canalopens
Yaqub, Salim. Containing Arab Nationalism: The Eisenhower Doctrine and the Middle East. (Chapel Hill:
University of North Carolina Press, 2004)
DBQ Question – How did Anwar Sadat impact United States’ foreign policy in the Middle East?
DOCUMENT 1: Telegram from US Intelligence in Cairo to Secretary of State, October, 1970
Vocabulary: UAR-United Arab Republic- Egypt and Syria joined together to form one country from 1958
- 1972
Gamal Abdel Nasser – Egyptian leader 1952 -1970
Document Note: This document was created after the death of Egyptian Leader Gamal Abdel Nasser.
Document
1.
Anwar Sadat is receiving congratulatory messages from large number of heads of state. Since
we have no diplomatic relations with UAR, believe we under no obligation send message to him
from White House. We also should not overlook fact that Sadat spent much of last years making
demagogic speeches attacking us.
2. …If we do not send congratulatory message through USINT, this fact will no doubt be noted by
Sadat and his advisors and our relations with new regime could get off on wrong foot.
3. On balance, we recommend President send following brief statement: Quote- I congratulate
your Excellency on assumption of responsibilities of the office of President of the UAR. You have
my best wishes for success in your efforts to bring peace and prosperity to the people of the
United Arab Republic. End quote
Source: Confidential (Declassified) US Intelligence (October, 1970)
Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Who is this letter from?
Who is this letter written to?
Why is US intelligence weary of Sadat?
Why does US intelligence advise Presidents?
How could the advice in this letter be reworded?
DBQ Question – How did Anwar Sadat impact United States’ foreign policy in the Middle East?
DOCUMENT 2: Letter from Richard Nixon to acting President Sadat (October 14, 1970
Dear Mr. President,
On this occasion, I wish to express my deep appreciation for the very warm and gracious reception
which you and the members of your Government extended to the United States delegation
attending the funeral of former President Gamal Abdel Nasser…As you are assuming the heavy
burdens of office, I extend to you, Mr. President, my sincere wishes for success in your efforts to
bring the blessings of peace and well-being to your people. Sincerely, Richard Nixon
Source: Text as Received from White House 10/14/1970 Letter to Acting President Sadat from
President Nixon
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Who is this letter from?
Who is this letter to?
Why do you think this letter was written?
Who do you think helped President Nixon write this letter?
How would you change this letter?
DBQ Question – How did Anwar Sadat impact United States’ foreign policy in the Middle East?
DOCUMENT 3: Letter from President Anwar Sadat to Richard Nixon (November23, 1970)
My dear President Richard Nixon:
I thank you sincerely for your kind message to me, dated October 14, 1970 and would like you to
know that we deeply appreciated your sending that distinguished delegation headed by Mr. Elliot
Richardson to participate on your behalf and on the behalf of the people of the United States of
America in the mourning of our great leader President Gamal Abdel Nasser…
For he gave his life and [dedicated] his efforts to the cause of the just struggle of his Arab nation and
that of other nations looking forward to, and hoping and struggling for, the realization of political
and social progress for subjugated people, the prevalence of the principles of true freedom [in the
lives] of both nations and individuals, and the vindication of the principles of peace based on
justice…
I [should like to] assure you that the people of the United Arab Republic, having resolutely chosen to
follow the path mapped out by Gamal Abdel Nasser…
I wish to assure you, dear President, that the state of relations between our two countries does not
please us at all. We wish it were better. We have made many efforts, toward that end, but as the
saying goes, the road has two sides. We have gone a long way on our side of the street, and are still
going ahead...
Please accept, dear President, my sincere thanks and greetings.
Source: Letter from President Anwar Sadat to President Nixon November 23, 1970. Response to
President Nixon’s October letter.
Questions
1. Who is this letter to?
2. When was it written?
3. Why do you think President Sadat refers to Gamal Abdel Nasser?
4. What are other foreign policy events that President Nixon is encountering during this same time
frame? How do you think these events impacted what his decisions in Egypt?
5. If you worked as an advisor to President Nixon, what advice would you give to the President in
responding to President Sadat? Why?
DBQ Question – How did Anwar Sadat impact United States’ foreign policy in the Middle East?
DOCUMENT 4: Letter from Henry Kissinger to President Anwar Sadat (January 25, 1974)
Dear Mr. President:
During the course of the last three months we have worked closely together to achieve our mutual
goal of establishing a permanent and just peace in the Middle East. I wish now to offer you my
personal congratulations on the successful achievement of the first stage of this quest, an
achievement which would have been extra-ordinarily difficult had it not been for the outstanding
qualities of statesmanship which you have brought to our discussions. It has been a privilege to
work with you.
May I offer my appreciation for the warm welcome you extended to us in Aswan. We are all truly
grateful for the thoughtfulness and courtesy extended to us by yourself and the Presidency staff.
Warm regards,
Henry A. Kissinger
Document Source: Letter from Secretary of State Henry Kissinger to President Sadat of Egypt
(January 25, 1974)/
Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Who is this letter to and from?
What position does Kissinger have?
Why do you think Kissinger wrote this instead of President Nixon?
What are two important facts that Kissinger stated in this letter?
How would you have changed this letter?
If you were President Nixon, who else could have written this letter and why?
DBQ Question – How did Anwar Sadat impact United States’ foreign policy in the Middle East?
DOCUMENT 5: Letter from President Jimmy Carter to President Anwar Sadat (October 21, 1977)
Dear President Sadat,
When we met privately in The White House, I was deeply impressed and grateful for your promise
to me that, at a crucial moment, I could count on your support when obstacles arose in our common
search for peace in the Middle East. We have reached such a moment, and I need your help…
The time has now come to move forward, and your early public endorsement of our approach is
extremely important – perhaps vital in advancing all parties to Geneva.
This is a personal appeal for your support.
My very best wished to you and your family.
Your friend,
Jimmy Carter
1. Who is this letter to?
2. Who is this letter from?
3. In the original form, this letter was handwritten. What message does this send to President
Sadat? Why?
4. What other foreign policy events is Jimmy Carter facing at this time?
5. How are the other foreign policy events Carter is facing impacting his decisions in Egypt? Why?
6. President Carter seemed to have a personal connection with President Sadat. How do you think
this impacted decisions Carter made?
DBQ Question – How did Anwar Sadat impact United States’ foreign policy in the Middle East?
Document 6 Map of Egypt
Source information: Map of Egypt.
Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
What is this map of?
What are two cities that you have heard of?
What natural resource is important to Egypt? Why?
Why is the Suez Canal vital to Egypt? The rest of the world?
Why do you think the United States care about Egypt in the 1970s? today?
As President in the 1970s, you are going on a tour of Egypt. Which three cities would you visit?
Why?
DBQ Question – How did Anwar Sadat impact United States’ foreign policy in the Middle East?
DOCUMENT 7: The 1978 Camp David Accords
Notes: President Sadat of Egypt, Prime Minister of Israel, Menachem Begin, and President of the
United States, Jimmy Carter, met from September 5 to September 17, 1978 to work on a framework for
peace in the Middle East
-The agreed basis for a peaceful settlement of the conflict between Israel and its neighbors is United
Nations Security council Resolution 242, in all its parts.
-After four wars during 30 years, despite intensive human efforts, the Middle East, which is the cradle of
civilization and the birthplace of three great religions, does not enjoy the blessings of peace. The people
of the Middle East yearn for peace so that the vast human and natural resources of the regions can be
turned to the pursuits of peace and so that this area can become a model for coexistence and
cooperation among nations.
-The historic initiative of President Sadat visiting Jerusalem and the reception accorded to him by the
parliament, government and people of Israel, and the reciprocal visit of Prime Minister Begin too
Ismailia, the peace proposals made by both leaders, as well as the arm reception of these missions by
the peoples of both countries, have created an unprecedented opportunity for peace which must not
be lost if this generation and future generations are to be spared the tragedies of war.
Source: The Camp David Accords of 1978. The United States, Egypt, and Israel were involved.
Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Which countries were involved in this document?
Where is this event taking place?
Why do you think the leaders met for multiple days?
What does President Sadat have to gain in making peace with Israel?
Why do you think this region has had multiple wars in the 1960s?
What would you change to help make peace in this region?
DBQ Question – How did Anwar Sadat impact United States’ foreign policy in the Middle East?
DOCUMENT 8: Picture of President Carter, President Sadat, and Prime Minister Begin.1978.
Source: Photo at Camp David Accords.
Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Who are the individuals in this picture?
Why do you think they look happy?
Why do you think President Carter is in the middle of the picture?
Why do you think President Carter is smiling?
Do you think this was the only picture taken this day? Why/why not?
Why do you think the White House released this particular picture?
Student Assignment
Students will use primary source documents to write a letter. Their role is to write a letter as Anwar
Sadat to the next leader of Egypt. Sadat will give advice to the leader as the role in the Middle East and
how Egypt should relate to the United States. The letter must explain why the advice is given. The
letter must use at least three of the primary source documents to help rationalize their reasoning.
Student Rubric
Points
Student is in role of President Sadat
5
Student is giving advice to President Sadat
5
Student gives reasoning why Egypt cares about US
5
Student uses three primary sources
5
Letter is written in correct form
5
Student Score Teacher Score