Has the 1973 War Ended?

Al-Masry Al-Youm, Egypt, September 29

As we mark the 50th anniversary of the October 6, 1973 war, we witness the resurgence of its memory, a poignant reminder of its enduring impact on our commitment to hard work, sincere collaboration, and the pursuit of victory. In these challenging times, our Arab nation finds itself teetering on the brink of destruction, making the lessons of the past all the more relevant today. While we now inhabit a different era, separate from the days of that war and the epochs of other nations and states, we are drawn to the collective determination that characterized that momentous conflict. This appeal is not limited to military endeavors in today’s world; it extends to our presence, our values, our significance, and our enduring lessons, particularly in the political arena. The continued resonance of the values stemming from the October War amplifies its relevance, imbuing its memory with a sense of significance and grandeur, much as it did on that memorable day of October 6, 1973. It is important to acknowledge that some may view these reflections as lacking awareness, for war, by its nature, is fraught with dissatisfaction and fear, fueled by human lives, financial resources, time, and territory. It disrupts the stability of life until it concludes. Nevertheless, it is crucial to remember that during those times, especially for countries facing confrontation, as well as for all Arab nations, the need for that war was profound. Our need for that war transcended merely rectifying the aftermath of the 1967 aggression, restoring our sense of pride and dignity, and transitioning from the depths of defeat to the heights of victory. It also emerged from the culmination of the War of Attrition, demanding a military endeavor to alter the dynamics of the Middle East in a conflict that spanned over a quarter of a century. On one side was a nation fighting to reclaim usurped lands, and on the other, an Israeli entity backed by the United States and numerous international powers. Because this war was pivotal, it remains a touchstone for all Arabs today. Whether they pursued its rightful path or strayed, distorted its primary objectives, or harbored doubts, it continues to be commemorated, connecting us to the martyrs and living heroes who bear witness to it and to our adherence to its lofty principles. I firmly believe that those who were children and young adults during the October War, many of whom now hold positions of responsibility or have retired, carry within them the remnants of its victory. Despite the passage of time and the evolution of their thoughts, strategies, and tactics, the war’s impact endures. For me, the October War remains etched in my memory as if it were unfolding today. Its first anniversary marked my childhood, and over the past 50 years, it has remained a guiding force in my life. As my understanding of it deepened and my path led me toward national political awareness, my attachment to its memory grew stronger. Writing became my primary means of expression, resulting in dozens of articles dedicated to it published in various Arab newspapers over the years. In my readings, I have not encountered a nation in our time that celebrated a war in the same manner as our celebration of the October War. The victory achieved in that war, thanks to its heroes, both the martyrs and the living, is undeniable, and its historical significance endures. Let us establish a new model for Arab relations, grounded in a spirit of unity, with the invaluable lessons from the October War serving as our guide—a lesson of profound importance. —Khalid Omar Bin Qaqa (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)