Famous Iraqi Politicians

ʿAbd al-Rahman ʿArif was an Iraqi military officer and politician who served as the third president of Iraq from 1966 to 1968. He held various military positions before becoming president, including Chief of Staff of the Iraqi Armed Forces. During his presidency, he faced challenges such as political unrest and the aftermath of the Six-Day War. His tenure was marked by efforts to maintain stability and modernize the country. After leaving office, he continued to be involved in politics and military affairs in Iraq.

Ur-Nammu founded the Sumerian Third Dynasty of Ur, establishing his rule in southern Mesopotamia after a period of foreign domination. Known for his military conquests that formed the Ur III Empire, he focused on building temples, canals, and infrastructure. His most enduring legacy is the Code of Ur-Nammu, the earliest known legal code. Holding the titles of "King of Ur, and King of Sumer and Akkad," he was a skilled ruler who left a lasting impact on Sumerian society with his administrative and legislative achievements.

Nouri al-Maliki is an Iraqi politician and leader of the Islamic Dawa Party. He served as Prime Minister of Iraq from 2006 to 2014 and as Vice President from 2014 to 2015 and again from 2016 to 2018. Al-Maliki began as a Shia dissident against Saddam Hussein, going into exile for 24 years. He worked with anti-Saddam guerrillas and built relationships with Iran and Syria. Al-Maliki's leadership was marked by allegations of corruption, close ties with Iran, and criticism for fueling sectarian violence in Iraq.

Adnan Khairallah was an Iraqi military officer who held several titles and was a member of the Iraqi Revolutionary Command Council. He served as the Defence Minister of Iraq from 1979 until his death in 1989. Known for his close relationship with Saddam Hussein, Adnan's professional life was marked by his significant role in the Iraqi military and government. His death in a helicopter crash, which some believe was orchestrated by Saddam, raised questions about potential political tensions and power struggles within the regime.

Rashid Ali al-Gaylani was an Iraqi politician and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Iraq on three occasions. He was known for his strong Arab nationalist beliefs and efforts to reduce British influence in Iraq. In 1941, he led a coup against the government in an attempt to remove British control. During his tenures as Prime Minister in 1940 and 1941, he tried to negotiate with Axis powers during World War II to counter British influence in Iraq.

Al-Hādī was the fourth Arab Abbasid caliph, succeeding his father al-Mahdi. He ruled for a short period, facing internal chaos and power struggles with his mother. His reign was marked by challenges, and he had to navigate complex political dynamics during his time in power. Despite these difficulties, Al-Hādī sought to govern effectively and maintain stability within the Abbasid caliphate. His professional life was defined by the need to address internal conflicts and maintain control over the empire during a turbulent period.

Ayad Allawi is an Iraqi politician who has held various key positions in the government, including serving as the vice president of Iraq and interim prime minister. A Shia Muslim, he played a significant role in post-Saddam Hussein Iraq, becoming the country's first head of government after the 2003 invasion. Allawi, a former Ba'athist, co-founded the Iraqi National Accord and is a prominent political activist. He has also been involved in providing intelligence to foreign agencies and has survived multiple assassination attempts.

Mustafa Barzani, also known as Mullah Mustafa, was a Kurdish leader and general known for his prominent role in modern Kurdish politics. He was chosen as the leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) in 1946 and led the Kurdish revolution against the Kingdom of Iraq. Barzani served as the primary political and military leader of the Kurdish revolution until his death in March 1979. He led campaigns of armed insurgency against both the Iraqi and Iranian governments, leaving a lasting impact on Kurdish history.

Shalmaneser III was a powerful king of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, known for his long reign filled with military campaigns against various eastern tribes and neighboring nations. His armies successfully penetrated deep into regions such as Mesopotamia, Syria, and Urartu, establishing Assyrian dominance. Shalmaneser III's conquests extended to Lake Van and the Taurus Mountains, compelling tribute from Neo-Hittites and subduing kingdoms like Hamath and Aram Damascus. His reign marked the first recorded appearances of Arabs and Chaldeans in historical annals, solidifying his legacy as a formidable military leader.

Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr was an Iraqi politician and the fourth president of Iraq, serving from 1968 to 1979. He was a prominent member of the Ba'ath Party and played a key role in the 14 July Revolution that overthrew the monarchy. Al-Bakr held various positions in the government, including Prime Minister and Vice President. Under his rule, Iraq experienced economic growth, land reforms, and improved living standards. He eventually ceded power to Saddam Hussein and resigned from public office in 1979.

Tariq Aziz was an influential Iraqi politician who served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs under President Saddam Hussein. He was a key advisor to Hussein and represented Iraq at international diplomatic events due to the president's security concerns. Aziz was known for his strong Arab nationalist beliefs and was also a member of the Chaldean Catholic Church. He faced legal proceedings following the 2003 invasion of Iraq, ultimately being sentenced to prison for crimes against humanity. Despite international condemnation, his sentence was eventually commuted to indefinite imprisonment until his passing in 2015.

Jalal Talabani was an Iraqi politician and the sixth president of Iraq from 2005 to 2014. He also served as the president of the Governing Council of Iraq. Talabani was the founder and secretary-general of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), one of the main Kurdish political parties. He played a key role in the Interim Iraq Governing Council after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein in 2003. Talabani dedicated over 50 years advocating for Kurdish rights and democracy in Iraq.

Shalmaneser V was the king of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, ruling from 727 BC to 722 BC. He is known for his conquest of Samaria and the fall of the Kingdom of Israel. Shalmaneser V campaigned extensively in the Assyrian heartland, as well as against the Israelites, Phoenician city-states, and kingdoms in Anatolia. His reign saw successful annexations but also long sieges that lasted several years. His deposition and death were likely violent, with his successor Sargon II possibly being unrelated, marking the end of the Adaside dynasty's almost thousand-year rule.

Qusay Hussein was an Iraqi politician and military leader who served as the heir apparent to his father, Saddam Hussein. He was in charge of the Republican Guard, a key branch of the Iraqi military, and played a significant role in maintaining his father's regime. His authority extended to various aspects of the Iraqi government and military, making him a powerful figure within the regime. His professional life was marked by his involvement in political and military affairs, culminating in his death during a U.S. raid in Mosul.

Raghad Saddam Hussein is an Iraqi figure known for her involvement in various political and social activities. She has been an advocate for humanitarian causes and has spoken out on issues related to her homeland. Raghad has also been involved in efforts to raise awareness about the impact of conflict on civilians and has engaged in initiatives aimed at promoting peace and reconciliation. Her professional life has been marked by a commitment to advocating for the well-being of others and working towards positive change in her community.

Nuri Pasha al-Said was a key Iraqi politician during the Mandatory Iraq and the Hashemite Kingdom of Iraq. He served as Prime Minister for eight terms and held various key cabinet positions. Known for his involvement in negotiating the profit-sharing agreement with the Iraq Petroleum Company, he played a significant role in the country's economic development, particularly in the oil sector. Despite his controversial political views and unpopularity towards the end of his career, he was a prominent figure in Iraqi politics until his overthrow and subsequent death in 1958.

Muhammad Saeed al-Sahhaf is an Iraqi former diplomat and politician who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1992 to 2001. He gained worldwide attention during the 2003 invasion of Iraq as the Minister of Information under President Saddam Hussein. Known for his colorful and often exaggerated televised appearances, he acted as the spokesman for the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party and Saddam's government. Al-Sahhaf has been humorously referred to as Baghdad Bob or Comical Ali for his distinctive style as the Information Minister of Iraq.

Haider al-Abadi is an Iraqi politician who served as the Prime Minister of Iraq from September 2014 to October 2018. Prior to his premiership, he held the position of Minister of Communication from 2003 to 2004. He was appointed Prime Minister to succeed Nouri al-Maliki in 2014 and played a key role in Iraq's fight against ISIL. Despite being recognized as one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2018, he eventually stepped down amidst domestic discontent and violent protests in 2018.

Muqtada al-Sadr is an influential Iraqi Shia Muslim cleric, politician, and militia leader. He leads the Sadrist Movement and the Peace Companies, which succeeded the Mahdi Army that he previously commanded during the American military presence in Iraq. Al-Sadr strategically aligned his political party with the Saairun alliance in 2018, resulting in significant electoral success in both the 2018 and 2021 Iraqi parliamentary elections. His leadership in various roles has solidified his position as a prominent figure in Iraqi politics and society.

Ahmed Abdel Hadi Chalabi was an Iraqi politician and founder of the Iraqi National Congress (INC). He served as the President of the Governing Council of Iraq and as Deputy Prime Minister under Ibrahim al-Jaafari. Chalabi also held positions as the interim Minister of Oil and Deputy Prime Minister in Iraq. Initially supported by the CIA, he later lost favor and was accused of being an instrument of pro-Iranian influence. Chalabi provided false information on Saddam Hussein's regime, leading to a falling out with the US government.

Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti was a prominent figure in the Iraqi intelligence service, the Mukhabarat, and a key adviser to Saddam Hussein. Despite experiencing a period of disfavor with Saddam, he later regained influence and was considered a close presidential adviser. His career culminated in his capture by U.S. forces in 2003. Following this, he faced charges of crimes against humanity and was ultimately hanged in 2007. The execution was marred by errors in calculating his body weight and the length of the drop, resulting in decapitation.

Ibrahim al-Jaafari is an Iraqi politician who has held several prominent positions in the government. He served as Prime Minister of Iraq in the Iraqi Transitional Government from 2005 to 2006 and Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2014 to 2018. Additionally, he was one of the two Vice Presidents of Iraq under the Iraqi Interim Government from 2004 to 2005. Known for his affiliation with the Islamic Dawa Party, al-Jaafari withdrew his nomination for premiership for the permanent government.

Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri was an influential Iraqi politician and army field marshal who served as Vice Chairman of the Iraqi Revolutionary Command Council under President Saddam Hussein. He led the Iraqi insurgent group Naqshbandi Army and was a key figure in the Ba'athist regime. Al-Douri evaded capture after the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq and continued to lead elements of the Iraqi insurgency against occupation forces. Following Saddam Hussein's execution, he was confirmed as the new leader of the banned Iraqi Ba'ath Party. Al-Douri was reportedly killed in action in 2015.

Ali Hassan al-Majid was an Iraqi military officer and politician under Saddam Hussein, serving as defence minister, interior minister, and chief of the Iraqi Intelligence Service. Known as "Chemical Ali," he was the governor of Kuwait during the 1990–91 Gulf War. Notorious for his role in repressive campaigns against internal opposition, he used chemical weapons against Kurdish rebels and Shia rebels. Captured after the 2003 invasion of Iraq, he was convicted of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, ultimately being sentenced to death and hanged in 2010.

Mohammed Hadid was a prominent Iraqi economist and democracy advocate. He served as the Minister of Finance of Iraq from 1958 to 1960. Throughout his career, he made significant contributions to the economic development and political landscape of Iraq. His expertise in finance and dedication to advocating for democratic principles helped shape the country's policies during his tenure as Minister of Finance. Hadid's professional legacy extends beyond his government role, leaving a lasting impact on the economic and political spheres in Iraq.

Uday Saddam Hussein was an Iraqi politician who held various positions as a sports chairman, military officer, and businessman. He was the head of the Iraqi Olympic Committee, Iraq Football Association, and the Fedayeen Saddam. Initially seen as the likely successor to his father, Iraqi president Saddam Hussein, Uday lost his position as heir apparent due to injuries from an assassination attempt. He was known for his ruthless and intimidating behavior towards adversaries and acquaintances, with allegations of rape, murder, and torture.

Saddam Hussein was an Iraqi politician and revolutionary who served as the fifth president of Iraq from 1979 to 2003. He also held the position of prime minister from 1979 to 1991 and again from 1994 to 2003. A leading member of the Ba'ath Party, he espoused Ba'athism, a blend of Arab nationalism and socialism. Saddam played a key role in nationalizing the Iraq Petroleum Company, presided over the Second Iraqi-Kurdish War, and instigated the Iran-Iraq War. He faced international condemnation for human rights abuses and was ultimately executed for crimes against humanity.

Masoud Barzani is a prominent Kurdish politician known for his leadership in the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) since 1979. He served as President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq from 2005 to 2017, playing a significant role in shaping the region's political landscape. Throughout his career, Barzani has been a key figure in advocating for Kurdish rights and autonomy. His leadership has been characterized by a commitment to advancing the interests of the Kurdish people and promoting stability in the region.

Grand Ayatollah Muhammad Husayn Fadlallah was a prominent Lebanese-Iraqi Twelver Shia cleric known for his extensive scholarship in Islam. He founded several Islamic religious schools, wrote numerous books, and established the Mabarrat Association, which included a public library, a women's cultural center, and a medical clinic. Fadlallah was recognized for his lectures and engagement in intellectual discourse. He was associated with Hezbollah as a spiritual mentor, though this was disputed, and faced multiple assassination attempts, including the 1985 Beirut car bombing. His death was met with widespread mourning and controversy.

Tiglath-Pileser I was a renowned king of Assyria during the Middle Assyrian period, known for his military prowess, extensive building projects, and interest in cuneiform tablets. He expanded Assyrian control into Anatolia and Syria, establishing the kingdom as a dominant power in the Ancient Near East for the next five centuries. Tiglath-Pileser I carefully cultivated fear among his subjects and enemies through his inscriptions. His reign saw heavy involvement in military campaigns, inspiring the recording of information and the creation of detailed summary texts to preserve his achievements for future generations.

Ayatollah ʿAbd al-ʿAziz al-Hakim was an Iraqi theologian and politician who led the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq. He served as the President of the Governing Council of Iraq and as the leader of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq. Following the assassination of his brother, Shia leader Mohammed Baqir al-Hakim, he succeeded him in leadership. As a member of the United States-appointed Iraqi Governing Council, al-Hakim played a significant role in Iraqi politics and held influence within the Council of Representatives.

Firsat Sofi Ali was an Iraqi Kurdish politician affiliated with the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP). He served as the Governor of Erbil and held a PhD in International Law from Salahaddin University. Sofi was also a law professor at Erbil's Polytechnic University and worked as a legal advisor at the Kurdistan Region Presidency’s office. Known for his professionalism, integrity, patriotism, and devotion, Sofi was recognized as an active parliamentarian and competent legal expert who played a significant role in the Kurdistan Parliament.

Masrour Barzani is a prominent Kurdish politician serving as the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region since June 2019. He also holds the position of Chancellor of the Kurdistan Region Security Council and is a member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party. Barzani was sworn in as the prime minister of the KRG's ninth cabinet in June 2019 after receiving a significant majority of votes in the Kurdistan parliament. His professional life is marked by his dedication to serving the Kurdish people and promoting the interests of the Kurdistan Region.

Shalmaneser I was a powerful king of Assyria during the Middle Assyrian Empire, known for his military conquests and administrative reforms. He expanded the Assyrian territory by conquering numerous countries in the northwest and incorporating the Mittanni kingdom into the empire. Shalmaneser I was a strategic leader who employed tactics such as deporting defeated enemies to various lands. He also undertook significant construction projects, including building palaces, restoring temples, and founding cities like Kalhu. His reign marked a period of territorial expansion and cultural development for the Assyrian Empire.

Hoshyar Zebari is an Iraqi-Kurdish politician who held various significant roles in the Iraqi government. He served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2003 to 2014, during which he played a crucial role in representing Iraq on the international stage. Zebari later became the Deputy Prime Minister in 2014 and served as the Minister of Finance until 2016. His professional life is marked by his dedication to public service and his contributions to the political landscape of Iraq.

Abd al-Rahman al-Bazzaz was an Iraqi politician, reformist, and writer known for his pan-Arab nationalist views. He served as the Dean of Baghdad Law College and later as Prime Minister of Iraq. Al-Bazzaz focused on professionalizing the government by increasing civilian expertise, prioritizing a civic agenda over military influence. He faced persecution from the Ba'athist government and was tortured and imprisoned for fifteen months. Released due to illness in 1970, he sought medical treatment in London before passing away in Baghdad in 1973.

Taha Yasin Ramadan al-Jizrawi was an Iraqi politician and militia commander. He served as one of the three vice presidents of Iraq from March 1991 to the fall of Saddam Hussein in April 2003. Ramadan played a key role in the Ba'ath Party and held various high-ranking positions within the Iraqi government. He was known for his involvement in military operations and political affairs, often acting as a close advisor to Saddam Hussein. Ramadan's career was marked by his loyalty to the regime and his active participation in the political landscape of Iraq.

Sabawi Ibrahim al-Tikriti was a prominent figure in Iraqi politics, serving as the leader of the Iraqi secret service, the Mukhabarat, during the 1991 Gulf War. He held various high-ranking positions within the Iraqi government, including head of the Directorate of General Security and presidential advisor to Saddam Hussein. Following the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Sabawi went into hiding and was eventually captured in 2005. He was sentenced to death in 2009 for his involvement in post-regime explosions and killings.

Ghaida Kambash was an Iraqi politician with a background in political sciences. She served as a member of the Council of Representatives of Iraq from 2010 until her passing in 2020. Throughout her career, Kambash advocated for reforming the education system in Iraq, demonstrating a commitment to improving the country's educational infrastructure. Tragically, she passed away in Baghdad due to complications from COVID-19 amid the pandemic, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated public service and a passion for positive change.

Ja'far Pasha al-Askari was an influential Iraqi politician who served in various important roles during his career. He was a key figure in the Arab nationalist movement, having fought alongside Faisal I and Lawrence of Arabia during World War I. Al-Askari held significant cabinet positions in the Iraqi government, including Minister of Defense and Minister of Foreign Affairs. He served as Prime Minister of Iraq twice and played a crucial role in supporting Faisal's bid for the Iraqi throne. Al-Askari's career was tragically cut short when he was assassinated during the 1936 Iraqi coup d'état.

Tawfiq al-Yasiri had a diverse professional life as an Iraqi politician and military officer. He gained prominence for his role as a brigadier general during the 1991 Gulf War. Following the invasion of Iraq in 2003, he established the Iraqi National Democratic Coalition, a significant political organization. His contributions to Iraqi politics were notable, and he remained active in advocating for democratic principles. Tragically, in 2020, Tawfiq al-Yasiri became the first Iraqi politician to succumb to COVID-19, leaving behind a legacy of service and dedication to his country.

Rafi Hiyad al-Issawi is an Iraqi politician known for his roles as a former finance minister and deputy prime minister. He is a doctor by profession and is recognized as the fourth most senior politician representing the Sunni Arab minority in Iraq. Al-Issawi has played a significant role in the Iraqi government alongside prominent figures such as former Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi, Deputy Prime Minister Saleh al-Mutlak, and Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, Usama al-Nujayfi.

Ayatollah Sayyid Mohammad Bahr al-Uloom was an influential Iraqi political figure and prominent Twelver Shi'a Islamic leader. He served as the President of the Governing Council of Iraq and held the position of the 43rd Prime Minister of Iraq. Throughout his professional life, he played a significant role in Iraqi politics, advocating for the interests of the Shi'a Muslim community and working towards promoting stability and governance in the country. His leadership and contributions left a lasting impact on both the political and religious landscape of Iraq.

Jamil Al Midfai was an influential Iraqi politician who held the position of Prime Minister five times throughout his career. Known for his leadership skills and political acumen, he played a crucial role in shaping the country's governance and policies. Al Midfai's tenure was marked by various significant reforms and initiatives that aimed to improve the lives of Iraqi citizens and enhance the country's standing on the global stage. His dedication to public service and commitment to advancing Iraq's interests earned him respect both domestically and internationally.

Muhammad Fadhel al-Jamali was an Iraqi politician and statesman who served as the foreign affairs minister and prime minister of Iraq during the Monarchy Era. He played a significant role in representing Iraq at the United Nations, signing the Charter of the United Nations on behalf of his country. Al-Jamali was known for his academic excellence and held prestigious scientific degrees from renowned universities worldwide. He is regarded as one of the most prominent figures in politics and education in Iraq and the Arab World.