Abstract: | The author considers the factors which led to the formation of the United Arab Republic (UAR) as well as those which caused for its dissolution. The failure was due to a variety of factors. Syrian leaders quarreled with the Egyptians and among themselves. The administrative burden of the union was too great for the existing apparatus. The economic viability of the merger, in spite of what its potential might have been, was not demonstrated. Popular enthusiasm could not be translated into effective support. The answer to the question whether the causes of the failure are unique to the two countries involved or whether the failure of the UAR calls into question the whole concept of Arab unity lies in the future. |