The Prime Minister of Iraq holds the pivotal role of head of government, wielding significant executive authority in the nation's political landscape. This position is central to the daily administration and strategic direction of the Iraqi state.

On 7 May 2020, Mustafa Al-Kadhimi assumed the office of Prime Minister of Iraq. His appointment followed the resignation of his predecessor, Adil Abdul-Mahdi. Abdul-Mahdi's resignation in late 2019 came amidst widespread anti-government protests that called for political reform and an end to corruption, highlighting the challenging political climate in which Al-Kadhimi took office. Prior to becoming Prime Minister, Al-Kadhimi had served as the head of the Iraqi National Intelligence Service, a role that positioned him with considerable insight into the country's security and political intricacies.

Understanding the Ramadan Revolution: A Pivotal Iraqi Coup

The political history of Iraq is marked by a series of significant events, including the military coup d'état that unfolded in February 1963. This pivotal event, often referred to as the Ramadan Revolution, the 8 February Revolution, or the February 1963 coup, saw the overthrow of the then-incumbent Prime Minister of Iraq, Abd al-Karim Qasim. The coup was spearheaded by the Iraqi-wing of the Ba'ath Party, a pan-Arab nationalist and socialist political party that sought to reshape the nation's political trajectory.

The coup commenced on 8 February 1963 and concluded by 10 February 1963. Its swift execution marked a dramatic shift in Iraqi power dynamics. Abd al-Karim Qasim, who had seized power in the 14 July Revolution of 1958, establishing a republican government and withdrawing Iraq from the Baghdad Pact, was a controversial figure. His increasingly authoritarian rule and independent foreign policy had alienated various factions, including the Ba'athists.

Key Figures and Dynamics of the Post-Coup Government (February 1963)

• President Abdul Salam Arif: Following the coup, Qasim's former deputy, Abdul Salam Arif, was appointed President. Although he was not a member of the Ba'ath Party, his cooperation with the coup plotters led to his placement in the largely ceremonial presidential role. Arif had previously been involved in the 1958 revolution but later fell out with Qasim.
• Prime Minister Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr: A prominent general and a leading figure within the Ba'ath Party, Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr was named Prime Minister. This appointment signified the Ba'ath Party's initial formal control over the government's executive functions.
• Ali Salih al-Sa'di: The true architect of power within the new government was Ali Salih al-Sa'di, the secretary general of the Iraqi Ba'ath Party. Al-Sa'di wielded immense influence, primarily through his command of the National Guard militia. This paramilitary force became instrumental in consolidating the Ba'ath Party's control and suppressing opposition.

Consequences and Subsequent Coup

Immediately following the coup, al-Sa'di orchestrated a brutal crackdown on suspected communists and other dissidents. This period was marked by a horrific massacre, with hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals rounded up, tortured, and executed. This purge aimed to eliminate ideological rivals and cement the Ba'ath Party's grip on power, reflecting the party's strong anti-communist stance and authoritarian tendencies.

However, the Ba'athist government proved to be short-lived, lasting approximately nine months. Internal divisions within the Ba'ath Party and growing apprehension over the National Guard's extreme actions led to its downfall. On 18 November 1963, Abdul Salam Arif, disillusioned with the Ba'athists' radicalism and seeking to centralize power, orchestrated another military coup d'état, known as the November 1963 Iraqi coup d'état. During this swift power seizure, Arif successfully disarmed the National Guard and initiated a widespread purge of Ba'ath Party members from government positions. This second coup consolidated power under Arif's more moderate nationalist rule, temporarily ending the Ba'ath Party's direct control but not its influence on Iraqi politics.

Frequently Asked Questions About Iraq's Government and History

What is the primary role of the Prime Minister of Iraq?

The Prime Minister of Iraq serves as the head of government, leading the cabinet and overseeing the executive branch. This role involves managing the nation's internal affairs, implementing policies, and representing Iraq on the international stage.

Who was Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, and what was the context of his premiership?

Mustafa Al-Kadhimi became Prime Minister of Iraq on 7 May 2020, succeeding Adil Abdul-Mahdi. His appointment came during a period of significant political and social unrest following widespread anti-government protests, with his government tasked with addressing public demands for reforms and preparing for early elections.

What was the Ramadan Revolution, and why is it known by multiple names?

The Ramadan Revolution was a military coup d'état that occurred in Iraq between 8 and 10 February 1963. It is also known as the 8 February Revolution or the February 1963 coup. The name "Ramadan Revolution" stems from the fact that it took place during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. This event saw the Ba'ath Party's Iraqi-wing overthrow the government of Prime Minister Abd al-Karim Qasim, marking the Ba'ath Party's initial, albeit brief, ascent to power.

Who was Abd al-Karim Qasim, and what was his significance?

Abd al-Karim Qasim was an Iraqi army brigadier who came to power in the 1958 revolution, overthrowing the Hashemite monarchy and establishing the Republic of Iraq. As Prime Minister, he pursued a nationalist and anti-imperialist agenda, implemented land reforms, and withdrew Iraq from the Baghdad Pact. His increasingly authoritarian rule and non-aligned stance eventually led to his overthrow and execution in the 1963 Ramadan Revolution.

What was the historical impact of the 1963 coups on Iraq's political landscape?

The two coups in 1963 profoundly impacted Iraq's political trajectory. The February (Ramadan) coup brought the Ba'ath Party to power for the first time, introducing a period of intense political repression, notably against communists. Although the Ba'athists were purged in the November coup by Abdul Salam Arif, their brief period in government demonstrated their organizational capacity and violent tendencies. These events set a precedent for military interventions in politics and paved the way for the Ba'ath Party's eventual return to power and long-term dominance in Iraq.