Nahas, Mustafa al- (1897–1965)

Egyptian nationalist and politician, leader of the Wafd party. He was instrumental in the process leading to the establishment of the Arab League, one of his major achievements. The military failure in 1948 and the subsequent burning of Cairo in 1952 brought discredit to the whole political establishment, including the Wafd leaders. The 1952 military coup ended his political career.

A close collaborator with Saad Zaghlul, he succeeded him as leader of the Wafd party 1927–52. He led the negotiations on the Anglo-Egyptian treaty in 1936 and favoured cooperation with the British while being almost constantly in struggle with the palace.