Tariq Aziz, Iraqi journalist and politician, Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs (d. 2015)

Tariq Aziz, born Mikhail Yuhanna, and known in Arabic as طارق عزيز (Ṭāriq ʿAzīz), was a pivotal figure in Iraqi politics for decades. From his birth on April 28, 1936, until his death on June 5, 2015, Aziz navigated the complex landscape of Iraqi power, rising to become Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and one of President Saddam Hussein's most trusted and visible advisors. His journey from a young activist to a prominent international statesman is a testament to his intelligence and unwavering loyalty within the Ba'athist regime.

Early Life and Rise to Power

Aziz's deep association with Saddam Hussein began in the 1950s, a formative period when both were ardent activists for the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party. At the time, the Ba'ath Party, advocating for Arab unity, socialism, and freedom from foreign influence, was a banned political organization in Iraq, forcing its members into clandestine operations. This shared struggle and ideological commitment forged an unbreakable bond between Aziz and Hussein, enduring through coups, political purges, and international conflicts.

A distinctive aspect of Tariq Aziz's profile was his background: he was an Assyrian Christian and a member of the Chaldean Catholic Church. In a predominantly Muslim, Arab nationalist state, his rise to such high office was remarkable and strategically significant. While fiercely committed to Arab nationalism, a core tenet of the Ba'ath Party, his Christian faith often made him a symbolic figure, presented by the regime as evidence of its inclusivity and rejection of sectarianism, particularly on the international stage.

The Diplomat and Spokesperson

Given President Saddam Hussein's profound security concerns, which often prevented him from traveling extensively outside Iraq, Tariq Aziz frequently assumed the role of Iraq's primary international diplomat. He became the recognizable public face of the Iraqi government, representing the nation at countless high-level diplomatic summits, press conferences, and United Nations Security Council meetings. His articulate command of English, sharp wit, and unyielding defense of Iraq's policies made him a formidable, if controversial, interlocutor on the global stage, especially during the Gulf War era and in the lead-up to the 2003 invasion.

Aziz was particularly vocal in expressing Iraq's perspective on international relations and the intentions of foreign powers. He famously asserted that the United States' true aim was not merely "regime change" in Iraq but a more sweeping "region change," implying a broader reshaping of the Middle East. He also controversially claimed that the George W. Bush administration's underlying reasons for initiating the 2003 war were fundamentally about "oil and Israel," a viewpoint that resonated with some circles but was vehemently rejected by Western powers.

Post-Invasion Imprisonment and Trials

Following the swift collapse of the Ba'athist regime during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Tariq Aziz surrendered to American forces on April 24, 2003. He was subsequently held in detention, initially by the U.S. military and later by the interim Iraqi government, primarily at Camp Cropper in western Baghdad, a facility notorious for housing high-profile detainees from the former regime. His surrender marked the end of an era for the Ba'athist leadership and the beginning of a lengthy legal battle for accountability.

Over the years, Aziz faced various charges brought by the Iraqi High Tribunal, a special court established to prosecute members of the former regime for crimes against humanity and other offenses. On March 1, 2009, he was acquitted of some charges, offering a brief moment of reprieve. However, just ten days later, on March 11, 2009, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his involvement in the 1992 executions of 42 merchants. These individuals had been found guilty of profiteering during a period of severe international sanctions that had crippled Iraq's economy, leading to a brutal crackdown on perceived economic saboteurs. Additionally, he received another 7-year sentence for his role in the forced relocation of Kurds, a policy of ethnic cleansing aimed at altering the demographic makeup of certain regions.

Death Sentence and Commutation

The legal proceedings against Tariq Aziz continued, culminating in a death sentence handed down by the Iraqi High Tribunal on October 26, 2010. This verdict, for crimes against humanity, specifically related to the persecution of religious parties, sent shockwaves across the globe and ignited a storm of regional and international condemnation. Iraqi bishops, other prominent Iraqis, the Vatican, the United Nations, the European Union, and human rights organizations like Amnesty International, alongside numerous governments including Russia, all voiced strong objections to the sentence, citing humanitarian concerns and questions about the fairness of the trials.

In a poignant turn of events, just two days later, on October 28, 2010, reports emerged that Aziz, along with 25 other inmates, had initiated a hunger strike. Their protest centered on the denial of their once-monthly visit from friends and relatives, a privilege normally scheduled for the last Friday of each month, highlighting the harsh realities of their imprisonment.

Ultimately, the death sentence was not carried out. Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, a Kurd who had himself been a victim of Saddam Hussein's regime, famously declared that he would not sign Aziz's execution order. Talabani, known for his opposition to capital punishment and perhaps mindful of the international outcry, effectively commuted the sentence to indefinite imprisonment. This presidential decision spared Aziz from execution but ensured he would remain in custody for the remainder of his life.

Tariq Aziz spent his final years in prison, with reports often indicating his declining health. He passed away on June 5, 2015, at the age of 79, following a heart attack in a hospital in the city of Nasiriyah, where he was incarcerated. His death closed a chapter on a figure who embodied both the complexities and contradictions of Saddam Hussein's Iraq.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Tariq Aziz?
Tariq Aziz (born Mikhail Yuhanna) was a prominent Iraqi politician who served as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister under President Saddam Hussein. He was a close advisor and the international public face of the Iraqi regime for decades.
What was Tariq Aziz's relationship with Saddam Hussein?
Their association began in the 1950s when both were activists in the then-banned Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party. This shared ideological struggle forged a deep, enduring bond, making Aziz one of Hussein's most trusted and loyal lieutenants.
What was his religious and ethnic background, and why was it significant?
Tariq Aziz was an Assyrian Christian and a member of the Chaldean Catholic Church. His prominent role in a predominantly Muslim, Arab nationalist regime was unusual and often highlighted by the Ba'ath Party to project an image of inclusivity, particularly to the international community.
Why was he so prominent in international diplomacy?
Due to President Saddam Hussein's security concerns that limited his international travel, Tariq Aziz frequently represented Iraq at high-level diplomatic summits and forums. His fluency in English and articulate defense of Iraq's policies made him a highly visible and influential spokesman on the global stage.
What were the main charges against him after the fall of Saddam's regime?
After his surrender in 2003, Tariq Aziz faced charges from the Iraqi High Tribunal. He was sentenced to 15 years for the 1992 executions of 42 merchants accused of profiteering and 7 years for the forced relocation of Kurds. He later received a death sentence for crimes against humanity related to the persecution of religious parties.
What was the international reaction to his death sentence?
His death sentence in 2010 sparked widespread international condemnation from various entities, including Iraqi bishops, the Vatican, the United Nations, the European Union, Amnesty International, and governments worldwide such as Russia, citing humanitarian concerns and questions about the trial's fairness.
How was his death sentence commuted?
Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, citing his personal opposition to capital punishment, refused to sign Tariq Aziz's execution order. This presidential act effectively commuted his death sentence to indefinite imprisonment, ensuring he would remain in custody for the rest of his life but would not be executed.
When and how did Tariq Aziz die?
Tariq Aziz died on June 5, 2015, at the age of 79, from a heart attack in a hospital in Nasiriyah, where he was imprisoned. His death brought an end to his long and controversial career.