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Izzat Ibrahim Al-DouriIraqi political and military figure
Date of Birth: 01.07.1942
Country:  Iraq |
Content:
- Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri: A Prominent Figure in Iraqi Politics
- Participation in the Ba'athist Revolution
- Rise to Prominence
- Military and Security Influence
- Threat to the Kurds during the Gulf War
- Controversial Diplomacy
- Post-Invasion and Rewards
- Rumors and Contradictions
- Health and Leadership
- Post-Saddam Hussein
Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri: A Prominent Figure in Iraqi Politics
Early Life and CareerIzzat Ibrahim al-Douri was born on July 1, 1942, in the village of al-Dour, near Saddam Hussein's birthplace of Tikrit. He embraced the Ba'athist ideology from a young age and was arrested in 1963 for an alleged coup attempt.
Participation in the Ba'athist Revolution
Al-Douri played a pivotal role in the 1968 Ba'athist coup that brought the party to power. He and Taha Yassin Ramadan were the only participants who survived the Ba'athist regime's overthrow in 2003. Al-Douri subsequently served as the Minister of Agrarian Reform.
Rise to Prominence
In July 1979, al-Douri became the Deputy Chairman of the Revolutionary Command Council, effectively serving as the Vice President of Iraq. He also held the position of Deputy Secretary-General of the Iraqi Ba'ath Party's Iraqi Regional Leadership.
Military and Security Influence
Despite lacking formal military education, al-Douri's role in the party's leadership allowed him to oversee military matters. He established strong relationships with high-ranking military officers, including those in the Iraqi Army, Republican Guard, and security forces.
Threat to the Kurds during the Gulf War
During the Persian Gulf War, al-Douri threatened the Kurds not to take advantage of the conflict, reminding them of the 1988 chemical attack on Halabja.
Controversial Diplomacy
Throughout the 1990s, al-Douri represented Iraq at Arab and Muslim summits. His speeches were marked by insults and provocations, including calling the head of the Kuwaiti delegation a "monkey" at the 2003Doha Islamic Conference.
Post-Invasion and Rewards
After the fall of Baghdad in 2003, al-Douri went into hiding. He was listed as the sixth most wanted Ba'athist by the United States and was designated the King of Clubs in the infamous deck of cards used by American soldiers. In November 2003, a $10 million reward was offered for his capture.
Rumors and Contradictions
Rumors of al-Douri's capture or death have circulated repeatedly since 2003, but none have been substantiated. The Coalition Forces believe he may still be leading the Iraqi resistance against the occupation.
Health and Leadership
Al-Douri has been battling leukemia since the late 1990s and requires constant medical treatment. The Coalition Forces have questioned his ability to lead a military campaign due to his health condition.
Post-Saddam Hussein
After Saddam Hussein's execution in December 2006, al-Douri was elected as the Secretary-General of the Ba'ath Party's Iraqi Regional Leadership in January 2007, according to a statement published on an Iraqi resistance website.
