![]() |
Abdul Salam ArifIraqi military, political and statesman
Date of Birth: 21.05.1921
Country: ![]() |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Military Career
- Involvements in Politics
- Presidency and Coup
- Territorial Disputes and Kurdish Issue
- Death and Legacy
Early Life and Education
Abdul Salam Arif was born on May 21, 1921, in Baghdad, Iraq. His father was a fabric merchant who had moved to the capital from Fallujah. Arif received his primary and secondary education in Baghdad, graduating high school in 1934. Subsequently, he enrolled in the military college and graduated in 1941 as a second lieutenant.
Military Career
In 1948, Arif participated in the Arab-Israeli War in Palestine. Upon his return home, he joined the General Command of the Iraqi Armed Forces. In 1951, he traveled to Düsseldorf, Germany, for training with British units. He returned to Iraq with the rank of major general.
Involvements in Politics
Following the overthrow of the monarchy in 1958, Qasim became the Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, while Arif served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. After Qasim's overthrow in a military coup, Arif was elected President of Iraq, while Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr became Prime Minister. The Ba'ath Party came to power and initiated a crackdown on communists and other opposition forces, resulting in the deaths of approximately 5,000 people and the imprisonment of over 10,000.
Presidency and Coup
In November 1963, Arif staged a coup d'état with the support of the military, ousting the Ba'ath Party from power. He arrested many Ba'ath leaders, including Saddam Hussein, who later became President of Iraq. Arif assumed full power and established a military dictatorship.
Territorial Disputes and Kurdish Issue
Arif recognized Kuwait's independence but disputed its borders established by the United Kingdom. He claimed territories in the islands of Bubiyan and Warbah, as well as the southern edge of Iraq's oil field in Rumaila. Negotiations with the Kurdish rebels to resolve the Kurdish issue stalled, and military operations resumed in northern Iraq in April 1965.
Death and Legacy
On April 13, 1966, Arif died in a helicopter crash while flying from Basra to Baghdad. The wreckage was found near the banks of the Shatt al-Arab River. The crash claimed the lives of all passengers on board, including Arif. His legacy as a military leader and President of Iraq remains a topic of historical debate.