Born into a wealthy Sunni Muslim family in Baghdad in 1924, Abdul Karim Qasim was a military officer and politician who served as the first President of Iraq from 1958 until his overthrow and assassination in 1963. His presidency marked a significant turning point in Iraqi history, as it ended the monarchy and established a republic.
Qasim’s military career began in 1941 when he joined the Iraqi Army. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a general in 1955. He played a key role in the overthrow of the monarchy in 1958, leading a group of officers in a bloodless coup. After the coup, Qasim became the Prime Minister and later the President of Iraq.
- Background:
- Born into a wealthy Sunni Muslim family in Baghdad in 1924.
- Joined the Iraqi Army in 1941 and quickly rose through the ranks.
- Played a key role in the overthrow of the monarchy in 1958.
- History:
- Became the Prime Minister and later the President of Iraq after the coup.
- His presidency marked a significant turning point in Iraqi history, as it ended the monarchy and established a republic.
- Ethnicity:
- Sunni Muslim.
- Achievements:
- Ended the monarchy and established a republic in Iraq.
- Implemented land reform policies, redistributed wealth, and expanded education and healthcare.
- Established diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union and other communist countries.
- Legacy:
- Qasim’s legacy is complex and controversial.
- He is remembered as a nationalist who stood up to foreign powers.
- However, his authoritarian rule and repression of dissent tarnished his reputation.
- Something Popular:
- Qasim was known for his fiery speeches and his commitment to Arab nationalism.
- He was also a skilled politician who managed to maintain a balance between different factions in Iraqi society.
Emblem of Iraq
To enrich your insights into presidential figures worldwide, also explore some prominent first presidents from other countries, such as Iran, Indonesia and India. Delving into the leadership journeys of these figures can offer valuable perspectives on their historical significance and pivotal roles in shaping global politics.
The official residence and symbol of the Iraq President
10 Iconic Presidents Who Shaped Iraq’s History
1. Saddam Hussein
- Saddam Hussein was the President of Iraq from 1979 until he was deposed in 2003 following the US-led invasion.
- He was known for his authoritarian rule and human rights abuses, including the suppression of political opposition and the use of chemical weapons against his own people.
2. Ghazi Mashal Ajil al-Yawer
- Ghazi Mashal Ajil al-Yawer served as the President of Iraq from 2004 to 2005, during the country’s transitional period.
- He was appointed as the interim president by the Iraqi Governing Council, but his role was largely symbolic.
3. Jalal Talabani
- Jalal Talabani was the President of Iraq from 2005 to 2014, becoming the first non-Arab and Kurdish president of the country.
- He played a significant role in promoting Kurdish rights and was a key figure in the country’s politics, advocating for power-sharing and democracy.
4. Fuad Masum
- Fuad Masum served as the President of Iraq from 2014 to 2018.
- He was a prominent Kurdish politician and a member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan.
5. Barham Salih
- Barham Salih has been serving as the President of Iraq since 2018.
- He is also a Kurdish politician and a member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan. Salih has been involved in various political positions prior to his presidency.
6. Abdel Rahman Arif
- Abdel Rahman Arif was the President of Iraq from 1966 to 1968.
- His presidency ended with the Ba’ath Party coup d’état, which brought the rule of Saddam Hussein.
7. Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr
- Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr served as the President of Iraq from 1968 to 1979.
- He led the Ba’ath Party and played a crucial role in the nationalization of Iraqi oil and the initiation of modernization projects.
8. Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti
- Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti was the half-brother of Saddam Hussein and a key member of his inner circle.
- While he did not hold the formal position of president, he exerted significant influence during Saddam’s regime and was considered one of Iraq’s most powerful men.
9. Adnan Khairallah
- Adnan Khairallah served as the Vice President of Iraq and briefly assumed the role of President following Saddam Hussein’s death in 2006.
- He was a member of the Ba’ath Party and a close associate of Saddam Hussein.
10. Ali Hassan al-Majid
- Ali Hassan al-Majid, also known as Chemical Ali, was a prominent figure in Saddam Hussein’s regime.
- While he did not hold the formal position of president, he was a key member of the Iraqi leadership and played a significant role in the Anfal campaign against the Kurds and the use of chemical weapons in the 1980s.
