Amer Rashid Mohammad Iraqi politician, general Country: Iraq

1. Biography of Amir Rashid Muhammad
2. Contributions in the Energy Sector
3. Retirement and Arrest

Biography of Amir Rashid Muhammad

Amir Rashid Muhammad is an Iraqi political figure and general who served as the last Minister of Oil in Saddam Hussein's government. With a background in military engineering, Muhammad rose through the ranks to attain the rank of general. Before becoming the Minister of Oil in 1995, he was responsible for the military-industrial complex. His wife, Dr. Rihab Taha, a microbiologist nicknamed "Doctor Germ," is believed to have played a prominent role in Iraq's biological weapons development program.

Contributions in the Energy Sector

Muhammad was involved in negotiations with Western and Turkish companies for the development of five major gas fields and the construction of a gas export pipeline to Turkey. He also played a role in the resumption of oil pumping through pipelines to Syria, averaging between 150,000 to 200,000 barrels per day.

Retirement and Arrest

On January 7, 2003, Saddam Hussein issued a decree retiring Amir Rashid Muhammad due to reaching retirement age. Samir Abdel Aziz al-Najim was appointed as the interim Minister of Oil. Following the coalition forces' invasion of Iraq, Muhammad was listed as one of the most wanted Iraqis. On April 14, American special forces entered the minister's house in Baghdad to arrest him and his wife, but he managed to escape. Amir Rashid Muhammad voluntarily surrendered to American forces on April 28, and his wife was arrested a month later.