A New India
Chapter 194 - 194: The Egyptian Stand - II

"The Suez Canal," Nasser said, voice unwavering. "That sacred passage, carved by Egyptian hands and Egyptian labor. A channel born on our soil, fed by our river, yet controlled by those who seek to hold us back."

Around him, his advisors nodded, standing as solid pillars of support.

They knew the significance of this moment. They have been working for the past one week or it can even be said way before that because Suez Canal has under Egypt is an Ambition any Egyptian leader will have.

They knew that nationalizing the canal wasn't just a political move; it was a declaration of Egypt's right to govern its own destiny, to dictate its own terms in the face of Western dominance.

"Today, I tell you this," Nasser continued, his voice swelling with emotion. "No longer will the Canal be used as a tool of oppression, a symbol of our subjugation. No longer will foreign powers control the beating heart of Egypt's economy."

He leaned forward, almost as if addressing each Egyptian personally, his voice softening but carrying an ironclad determination.

"We, the people of Egypt, are not asking for charity, we are not begging for aid. We are claiming what is ours. We are reclaiming the wealth, the pride, and the sovereignty that rightfully belong to us."

Taking a deep breath, he delivered the words that would shake the world.

"And so, to all who have doubted our resolve, to those who believed we would cower and submit, I declare today, in the name of Egypt, in the name of every man, woman, and child who has dreamt of freedom, that the Suez Canal is now ours. I hereby proclaim its nationalization. The Suez Canal belongs to Egypt."

The roar from the crowd was deafening. Cheers erupted, voices raised in triumphant unity.

People hugged each other, tears in their eyes. It was as though, in that single declaration, Nasser had restored a piece of their soul, something they hadn't even realized had been missing.

In the cafes, homes, and public squares across Egypt, people cheered.

They wept, they clapped, they felt a surge of pride and empowerment like never before.

Radio announcers, barely able to contain their own emotions, repeated the news across the airwaves: "The Suez Canal has been nationalized. Egypt stands united. The canal is ours."

Nasser stood silently for a moment, watching the crowd.

He saw the impact of his words on their faces, the fire in their eyes, the hope that had been ignited in their hearts.

This was no mere political decision; it was a revolution, a reclaiming of identity, a step toward a future where Egyptians would stand as equals on the world stage.

As the applause settled, he raised his hand once more, and the crowd quieted, hanging on his every word.

"Make no mistake," he said, voice deep with warning. "The path forward will not be easy. There will be those who will try to take this back from us, those who will come with threats, with weapons, and with armies. They will try to break our spirit, to make us regret this day. But we are ready."

There was a collective murmur of agreement from the crowd, a resolute feeling of solidarity.

"We are ready," Nasser repeated, his voice stronger than ever. "We are ready to defend what is ours, to protect our land, our people, and our sovereignty. Let them come. Let them try. For we, the people of Egypt, will never again bow to the will of foreign powers."

The crowd erupted once more, fists raised, voices chanting Nasser's name, chanting "Egypt!" and "Freedom!" over and over.

The energy was electric, almost overwhelming.

People knew that this moment would be etched in history, a turning point in Egypt's journey toward true independence.

In the back of his mind, Nasser knew the risks. He knew the West wouldn't sit idly by, that Britain and France who had deep economic and strategic interests in the Canal would view this as a provocation, a direct affront.

But he also knew that sometimes, history demanded bold actions, actions that defied reason, that defied the calculations of safety.

In his heart, he believed that the time had come for Egypt to stand on its own, to be the master of its own destiny.

The Canal was more than just a waterway; it was a symbol of freedom, of self-determination, of the end of colonial chains.

With one final look at the crowd, he raised both hands in a gesture of unity and defiance.

"Today marks the birth of a new Egypt," he proclaimed. "A strong Egypt, a free Egypt, an Egypt that belongs to its people."

The cheers reached a fever pitch, rolling like thunder through Cairo's streets, echoing in the hearts of Egyptians across the nation.

In that moment, Gamal Abdel Nasser had become more than just a leader; he was a symbol, a rallying cry, a beacon of hope for Egyptians and for others across the Arab world who yearned for the same freedom.

The Suez Canal was Egypt's now, and with it, the promise of a future determined by their own hands.

As Nasser stepped down from the podium, he was met with the fervent support of his advisors and friends, who shook his hand, patted him on the back, and whispered words of admiration.

One of his closest aides, Hassan, leaned in with a broad smile. "You did it, sir. You did what no one thought possible."

Nasser allowed himself a rare smile. "Yes, Hassan. But now the real test begins. They won't take this quietly."

"We will be ready, sir," Hassan replied with confidence. "Egypt stands with you."

Nasser nodded, casting one last look at the jubilant crowd.

He knew that he would carry it the weight of all this pressure and expectations for his people, for Egypt, and for the future he believed in.

In his heart, he whispered a quiet prayer for strength, for resilience, and for Egypt to weather the storm he knew was coming.

The Suez Canal was theirs, but the battle for Egypt's soul had only just begun.