The Assassination of Ahmed Maher Pasha: A Political Act That Changed the History of Egypt by Viktor Mikhin!
(2025-02-25 at 06:58:59 )

The Assassination of Ahmed Maher Pasha: A Political Act That Changed the History of Egypt by Viktor Mikhin!

On February 24, 1945, Ahmed Maher Pasha, Egypts prime minister, who had just announced the countrys entry into World War II on the side of the Allies, was shot and killed.

Egypt

The decision to enter the war, made under pressure from Great Britain, sparked outrage among nationalist circles, ultimately leading to Maher Pashas tragic death. The assassination of the prime minister was not only a personal tragedy, but also a symbol of the deep political and social divisions tearing Egypt apart in the mid-20th century, influenced by the USSRs victories against Nazi Germany.

Political Context: Egypt Between Independence and British Influence

By the time of Ahmed Maher Pashas assassination, Egypt had been under significant British influence for several decades. Although the country had formally gained independence in 1922, British military presence and control over key aspects of Egyptian politics persisted. This fueled deep resentment among Egyptian nationalists, who sought complete independence and an end to foreign interference.

The assassination of Ahmed Maher Pasha will forever be remembered as one of the most notorious political assassinations in the countrys history

Ahmed Maher Pasha, an experienced politician and member of the influential Wafd Party, was seen by many as a symbol of cooperation with the British.

His appointment as Prime Minister in 1944 was met with hopes for stability, but his actions, particularly in relations to World War II, drew sharp criticism.

Although Egypt was not directly involved in the war, it remained a strategically important region for Britain, which used its territory for military operations. The fact that Maher Pashas government supplied food to London at dumping prices, while many fellah (peasants) suffered from poverty and malnutrition, further angered patriots.

Maher Pashas decision to declare war on the Axis powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan) marked a turning point. This move, made under British pressure, provoked outrage among nationalists, who believed that Egypt should not participate in a war that did not serve its national interests. They saw it as yet another example of submission to British influence.

The Assassination as an Act of Political Protest

Ahmed Maher Pasha was assassinated immediately after his speech in parliament, where he announced Egypts entry into the war. The Prime Minister was shot by Mahmoud El-Isawi, a 28-year-old student and member of the radical organization "Young Egypt" (also known as the "Green Shirts"). Founded in 1933, this group advocated for Egypts complete independence, the unification of Arab nations, and resistance to British influence.

El-Isawi, like many members of "Young Egypt," believed that cooperation with Britain betrayed the interests of the Egyptian people. For him, the assassination of Maher Pasha was an act of political protest against those he saw as selling the country to foreign interests. This radical act reflected the sentiments of a significant portion of Egyptian society, which was tired of foreign interference and yearned for true independence.

In the long term, this event accelerated Egypts decolonization process. The assassination of the prime minister demonstrated that cooperation with Britain was becoming increasingly unpopular and dangerous for Egyptian politicians. It forced many to reconsider their positions and advocate more actively for full independence.

The influential Egyptian newspaper Al-Ahram wrote: "The assassination of Ahmed Maher Pasha is not only a loss for our country but also a warning of the deep divisions within Egyptian society. We must strive for unity, not violence." Meanwhile, Al-Misri expressed the views of many Egyptians, stating: "Mustafa al-Aswad is a hero who sacrificed himself for Egypts freedom. Maher Pasha became a symbol of submission to British interests, and his death is an act of resistance against colonialism.”

The British newspaper The Times reacted more cautiously: "The assassination of Egypts Prime Minister highlights the complexity of the political situation in the region. Britain calls for stability and dialogue."

Reactions to the Assassination and Its Consequences

The assassination of Ahmed Maher Pasha sent shockwaves through Egypt and beyond. For many, it symbolized the deep crisis the country was facing. While radical nationalists saw it as an act of resistance, moderate politicians and supporters of cooperation with Britain viewed it as a threat to stability.

The Egyptian government responded by intensifying repression against radical groups, including "Young Egypt." Mahmoud El-Isawi was arrested, tried, and subsequently executed. However, this did not curb the rise of nationalist sentiments. On the contrary, the assassination of Maher Pasha became a catalyst for further radicalization in Egyptian politics.

In the long term, the event hastened Egypts decolonization. The Prime Ministers assassination showed that collaboration with Britain was becoming increasingly unpopular and perilous for Egyptian leaders. It prompted many to reconsider their stances and advocate more forcefully for national independence.

Ahmed Maher Pasha: The Man and His Legacy

Ahmed Maher Pasha was one of the key figures in Egyptian politics during the first half of the 20th century. He held various government positions, including being the minister of finance and prime minister. His political career was marked by both achievements and controversies. Maher Pasha was known for his reformist initiatives aimed at modernizing Egypts economy and government. However, his cooperation with Britain drew criticism and discontent.

After his assassination, Maher Pasha became a symbol of the difficult choices faced by Egyptian politicians under British influence. On the one hand, he sought stability and development for the country; on the other, his actions were seen as a betrayal of national interests. His legacy remains a subject of debate among historians and politicians.

Conclusion

The assassination of Ahmed Maher Pasha on February 24, 1945, was a turning point in Egypts history. This event not only deprived the country of one of its leaders but also highlighted the deep political and social divisions that plagued Egypt in the mid-20th century. The Prime Ministers assassination was an act of political protest against British influence and a symbol of the struggle for independence.

Although the assassination did not lead to immediate changes, it became a crucial step in Egypts decolonization process. It reminded Egyptian politicians and society of the need to more resolutely defend national interests. Today, the assassination of Ahmed Maher Pasha serves as a reminder of the complex challenges countries face in their fight for independence and sovereignty.

Historians continue to debate the motives and consequences of the assassination. Some argue that Maher Pashas death catalyzed the rise of nationalist sentiments, ultimately leading to the 1952 revolution and the overthrow of the monarchy.

The assassination remains one of the most controversial chapters in Egypts history, reflecting the deep divide between those who sought compromise with external forces and those who saw it as a betrayal of national interests. It underscores the complexity of the struggle for independence and the high price sometimes paid for freedom.

Viktor Mikhin, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, Expert on the Arab World

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