ABSTRACT
One of the most common interpretations is that of 'Russian-American connivance'. Since 1947, as well as being ideological the cold war has always been a competition between great powers. The more complex and more agonizing truth is that the ambiguous relations between the Soviet Union and the United States paralyse any settlement either by force or diplomacy. At the same time it is true that the decisions which led to the explosion, President Nasser's in the first place, then those of the Israeli government, were taken by local actors against the advice of their respective protectors. Nasser issued a challenge that was too aggressive for the liking of one side; the Israeli government took up the Egyptian challenge too brutally for the liking of the other. The relations between the Great Powers and the small, such as they have shown themselves during these tragic weeks, are also going to be examined with anxious attention by commentators in other countries.
