Following Syria's secession, Nasser grew concerned with Amer's inability to train and modernize the army, and with the state within a state Amer had created in the military command and intelligence apparatus. In late 1961, Nasser established the Presidential Council and decreed it the authority to approve all senior military appointments, instead of leaving this responsibility solely to Amer. Moreover, he instructed that the primary criterion for promotion should be merit and not personal loyalties. Nasser retracted the initiative after Amer's allies in the officers corps threatened to mobilize against him. COUNT 5
QSN1 What military entity did Nasser create in 1961? ANS1 Presidential Council QSN2 As opposed to personal loyalty, what basis should military promotions be given, according to Nasser? ANS2 merit QSN3 Why did Nasser abandon the Presidential Council? ANS3 Amer's allies in the officers corps threatened to mobilize against him QSN4 What leader was sidelined by the Presidential Council? ANS4 Amer QSN5 What was the Presidential Council meant to do? ANS5 approve all senior military appointments