Suez, the Double War

Roy Fullick's "Suez, the Double War" stands as a significant examination of one of the most controversial military operations of the twentieth century. The book tackles the 1956 Suez Crisis, an event that marked a turning point in post-war international relations and exposed the declining influence of traditional European powers in the face of emerging Cold War dynamics.

The strength of this work lies in its comprehensive approach to understanding the multilayered nature of the Suez Crisis. Fullick recognizes that the conflict was not merely a straightforward military operation but rather a complex convergence of imperial ambitions, Cold War tensions, and Middle Eastern nationalism. The title itself, referencing a "double war," hints at this complexity, acknowledging both the military campaign and the political struggles that unfolded simultaneously on the world stage.

The book provides detailed coverage of the events leading up to the crisis, particularly Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser's nationalization of the Suez Canal in July 1956. This action, which transferred control of one of the world's most strategic waterways from international shareholders to Egyptian sovereignty, triggered a chain of events that would involve Britain, France, and Israel in a coordinated military response. Fullick examines the motivations of each party involved, offering readers insight into why these nations chose to pursue military action despite significant international opposition.

One of the notable aspects of the book is its attention to the military operations themselves. The coordination between British, French, and Israeli forces represented a complex logistical and strategic challenge. The secret planning, known as the Protocol of Sèvres, involved Israel launching an attack on Egypt, which would then provide Britain and France with a pretext to intervene ostensibly as peacekeepers. Fullick details how this operation unfolded, including the military successes achieved on the ground and the rapid advance of forces toward their objectives.

However, military success did not translate into political victory. The book explores how the operation quickly became a diplomatic disaster for Britain and France. The United States, under President Eisenhower, strongly opposed the action, viewing it as a dangerous example of colonial-era gunboat diplomacy that could drive Middle Eastern nations toward the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union, meanwhile, issued threats against the invading powers. This international pressure, combined with economic consequences including a run on the British pound, forced a humiliating withdrawal.

Fullick's treatment of the political ramifications proves particularly valuable. The Suez Crisis represented a watershed moment in which the limitations of British and French power became undeniably apparent. The incident accelerated the process of decolonization and confirmed the United States and Soviet Union as the world's true superpowers. For Britain specifically, the crisis led to the resignation of Prime Minister Anthony Eden and forced a fundamental reassessment of the country's role in global affairs.

The book also addresses the consequences for the Middle East itself. While the military operation failed politically, it demonstrated the growing assertiveness of Arab nationalism and confirmed Nasser's status as a leading figure in the region. The crisis would have long-lasting effects on Arab-Israeli relations and contributed to the patterns of conflict that would characterize the region for decades to come.

Throughout the narrative, Fullick maintains a balanced perspective, examining the viewpoints and miscalculations of various participants. The book does not shy away from controversial aspects of the operation, including the deception involved in the coordination between the three attacking powers and the gap between their stated objectives and actual aims.

The research underpinning the work draws upon historical documentation and established sources about the crisis. Fullick presents the material in an accessible manner that makes the complex political and military dimensions comprehensible without oversimplifying the issues at stake. The writing remains clear and focused, guiding readers through the tangled web of diplomatic maneuvers, military planning, and international pressure that characterized this brief but momentous conflict.

"Suez, the Double War" serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand this pivotal episode in twentieth-century history. The book illuminates how a seemingly regional dispute over a canal became a defining moment in the transition from the colonial era to the Cold War order, with implications that extended far beyond the immediate participants and continue to resonate in discussions of international relations and military intervention.