Jafar Al-Askari Iraqi politician and statesman Date of Birth: 15.09.1885 Country: Iraq

1. Early Life and Military Career
2. Role in Arab Revolt and Iraq's Government
3. Minister of Defense and Premiership
4. Assassination

Early Life and Military Career

Jaafar al-Askari was born in Mosul, Iraq. In 1904, he graduated from military school as a second lieutenant. During World War I, al-Askari served as an officer in the Ottoman army until he was captured by British forces. He escaped captivity and fled eastward, joining the Great Arab Revolt of 1916.

Role in Arab Revolt and Iraq's Government

Al-Askari played a key role in establishing Emir Faisal on the Syrian and Iraqi thrones. In 1919, Faisal appointed him military governor of Aleppo. He became one of the first members of Iraq's new government under British mandate.

Minister of Defense and Premiership

In recognition of his loyalty, King Faisal I included al-Askari in Iraq's first government, where he served as Minister of Defense. He later held two terms as Prime Minister as well as Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Assassination

In the government of Yasin al-Hashimi, al-Askari resumed his position as Minister of Defense. In October 1936, a military coup led by General Bakr Sidqi, with support from nationalist leader Hikmat Sulayman, overthrew the government. During the coup, al-Askari was assassinated. His car was stopped by six officers 25 km north of Baghdad, who fired approximately 30 shots at him.