Q&A · 2:31:17

What if Britain and France had remained at Suez

A Suez counterfactual weighs canal revenue against continued fighting and competing possibilities for Egypt's government and alignment.

Question

What might have happened at Suez without Eisenhower's economic pressure on Britain and France?

Short answer

The proposed possibilities include continued canal control at a cost, closer Egyptian alignment with the Soviet Union, or a Western-friendly government followed by withdrawal.

Notes

The question assumes British and French military success at Suez and removes the American economic pressure that prompted withdrawal. Continued control of the canal is considered alongside the cost of fighting to hold it. Canal revenue would have to cover those continuing costs. Possible outcomes offered for Egypt include alignment with the Soviet Union or a Western-friendly government followed by British and French withdrawal. These remain alternative counterfactual outcomes.