"We Are Your Soldiers examines seven countries-Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Yemen, and Libya-weaving the epic tale of Nasser's dramatic encounters with each to reassess his impact in the Arab sphere. These engagements were often drenched in blood and destruction, leaving deep scars that endure to the present. Rowell shows how the Nasser years were crucial to the formation of regimes as varied as Bashar al-Assad's Syria, Muammar al-Gaddafi's Libya, Saddam Hussein's Iraq and Abd al-Fattah al-Sisi's Egypt. Crushing democracy at home while launching wars and slaying opponents abroad, Nasser ushered in the long political winter from which the region is still yet to emerge. Drawing on a deep reading of Arabic sources, extensive interviews, and material never before published in English, Rowell offers a necessary reexamination of Nasser's rule and a new understanding of the politics of the Middle East." -- Publisher's description.

Prologue -- Introduction -- Egypt I. The immense secret -- The transition period -- The graveyard of the living -- Iraq. The banner of freedom -- A progressive people's revolution -- Syria. The dawn of Arab liberation -- The Damascene conversion -- Nasserists against Nasser -- Lebanon. The summer of blood -- A mission very important for Nasserism -- A parting gift -- Jordan. His Majesty's loyal opposition -- The long arms of Damascus -- Partners in defeat -- Yemen. The most honorable battle -- Egypt II. Adrift on the Nile -- Libya. Second time as farce -- The unfinished job.