The United Arab Republic was formed in 1958 as a political union between Egypt and Syria, driven by the desire for Arab unity and the promotion of revolutionary ideals. However, tensions grew over the balance of power and the differing political ideologies between the two countries. Syria felt increasingly marginalized under Egyptian dominance, with President Gamal Abdel Nasser's government often perceived as overbearing. By 1961, the political climate within Syria had soured significantly, prompting various military factions to act against the perceived hegemony of Egypt.

On September 28, a group of Syrian military officers, discontented with Nasser's influence and the centralization of power in Cairo, staged a coup d'état in Damascus. The coup was swift, leading to the ousting of the Syrian leadership that had been allied with Nasser. This marked a crucial turning point, as it effectively dissolved the United Arab Republic, ending a tumultuous partnership. Following the coup, a new, distinctly Syrian regime was established, which sought to reassert national sovereignty and steer Syria in a different political direction.

In the wake of this tumultuous change, Syria began to formulate its own identity separate from Egypt, while Egypt, under Nasser, continued to pursue its regional objectives. This fragmentation of the United Arab Republic not only altered the political landscape within both nations but also set the stage for future conflicts and alliances in the Arab world. The breakup underscored the complexities of Arab nationalism and the challenges of unifying diverse political cultures under a single government.