 |
Barham Ahmed SalihEighth President of Iraq since October 2, 2018
Date of Birth: 12.09.1960
Country:  Iraq |
Content:
- Early Life and Activism
- Education and Career
- Political Leadership
- Election as President
- Presidency
- Personal Life
Early Life and Activism
Barham Salih embarked on his political journey at the tender age of 16, joining the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). His activism caught the attention of authorities, leading to his arrest twice in 1979 for alleged involvement in Kurdish nationalist movements. Despite the ordeal of 43 days in prison, Salih remained steadfast in his pursuit of education, completing high school and seeking refuge in the United Kingdom to avoid further persecution.
Education and Career
In London, Salih became an active member of the PUK's European office, fostering the organization's international relations. Simultaneously, he pursued higher education, earning a bachelor's and master's degree in Civil Engineering from Cardiff University in 1983 and a doctorate in Statistics and Computer Science from the University of Liverpool in 1987.
Political Leadership
Upon his return to Iraq, Salih held several prominent positions:- Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq (2006-2009)
- Second Prime Minister of Iraqi Kurdistan (2009-2012)
In 2014, Salih sought the presidency but withdrew in favor of Fuad Masum. In 2016, he broke away from the PUK and formed his own coalition, the "Alliance for Democracy and Justice," contesting the 2018 parliamentary elections. However, he later rejoined the PUK ahead of the presidential election in 2018.
Election as President
On October 2, 2018, Barham Salih was elected as the eighth President of Iraq. He received 219 votes from the 273 members of the Council of Representatives present, defeating his main rival, Fuad Hussein of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), who received only 22 votes.
Presidency
As President, Salih pledged to safeguard Iraq's independence and territorial integrity, foster unity, and focus on serving the people of Iraq. He has also emphasized the importance of resolving the country's political and economic challenges.
Personal Life
Barham Salih is married to Sarbagh Salih, a prominent women's rights activist and founder of the Kurdish Botanical Foundation. They have two children, a son and a daughter.
