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Abdul Latif Rashid9th President of Iraq from October 17, 2022
Date of Birth: 10.08.1944
Country:  Iraq |
Content:
- Birth and Early Life
- Academic Qualifications
- Professional Experience
- Political Involvement
- Technical and Diplomatic Roles
- Minister of Water Resources
- Presidency
- Personal Life
Birth and Early Life
Abdul Latif Rashid was born on August 10, 1944, in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, to a prominent Kurdish family. He completed his secondary education at a British High School and A-Levels in North Wales.
Academic Qualifications
In 1968, Rashid earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Liverpool. He further pursued graduate studies, obtaining a master's degree in 1972 and a PhD in engineering in 1976 from the University of Manchester.
Professional Experience
Upon his return to Iraq, Rashid became actively involved with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) led by Jalal Talabani. He was involved in various development and agricultural initiatives, including working as a senior project manager for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO) in Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
Political Involvement
In 1992, Rashid was elected Vice President and Executive Member of the Iraqi National Congress (INC). He was later elected to the INC's six-member leadership in 1998.
Rashid represented the Kurdistan Patriotic Union in the United Kingdom from 1986 and was a member of the INC's Executive Board. He also advocated for Kurdish political and Iraqi opposition groups during Saddam Hussein's regime.
Technical and Diplomatic Roles
As a chartered engineer, Rashid is a fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers and the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID). He served as a consultant on irrigation and drainage projects and worked with the Water Authority.
Minister of Water Resources
From September 2003 to December 2010, Rashid served as Minister of Water Resources. He oversaw irrigation, municipal and industrial water supply, hydropower, flood control, and environmental issues, including the restoration of marshes.
Presidency
On October 13, 2022, Latif Rashid was elected as the 9th President of Iraq. He succeeded Barham Salih as the head of state after a two-round vote in parliament, securing over 162 votes against Salih's 99.
Personal Life
Rashid is married to Shanas Ibrahim Ahmed, and they have two sons and a daughter.
