Nureddin al-Atassi

Gamal Abdel Nasser Hussein was an Egyptian military officer and revolutionary who served as the second president of Egypt from 1954 until his death in 1970. Nasser led the Egyptian revolution of 1952 and introduced far-reaching land reforms the following year. Following a 1954 assassination attempt by a Muslim Brotherhood member, he cracked down on the organization, put President Mohamed Naguib under house arrest and assumed executive office. He was formally elected president in June 1956.

Connection to Damascus

Studied medicine at Damascus University; was active in Ba'ath Party politics in Damascus.

Known for

First Syrian president to address the UN General Assembly.