Muhammad Najib ar-Ruba'i (Arabic: محمد نجيب الربيعي; also spelled Al-Rubaiy; 1904–1965) was an Iraqi military officer and politician who served as the first president of Iraq, from 14 July 1958 to 8 February 1963.[1] Together with Abdul Karim Qassim,[2] he was one of the leaders of the 14 July Revolution that toppled King Faisal II in 1958.
Muhammad Najib ar-Ruba'i | |
---|---|
محمد نجيب الربيعي | |
1st President of Iraq | |
In office 14 July 1958 – 8 February 1963 | |
Prime Minister | Abd al-Karim Qasim |
Preceded by | Faisal II (as the King of Iraq) |
Succeeded by | Abdul Salam Arif |
Personal details | |
Born | Baghdad, Baghdad Vilayet, Ottoman Empire | 14 July 1904
Died | 1965 (aged 60–61) Baghdad, Iraq |
Nationality | Iraqi |
Political party | Independent |
Occupation | President of Iraq (1958–63) |
Signature | |
Military service | |
Allegiance | Iraq |
Branch/service | Army |
Years of service | 1924-1963 |
Rank | Lieutenant General |
While Qassim became prime minister and held most of the power, Ar-Ruba'i was elected head of state with the title of Chairman of the Sovereignty Council. The Sovereignty Council had a representative from each of the communal/ethnic groups. Ar-Ruba'i represented the Sunni community.[citation needed]
In 1963, Qassim was deposed by another coup led by Abd as-Salam Arif. Ar-Ruba'i had to retire from politics. Ar-Ruba'i died in 1965.
References
edit- ^ Cahoon, Ben (2000). "Iraq - Chronology" (web). worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 25 May 2008.
- ^ "Iraq PROFILE" (web). U.S. Department of State. 17 October 2006. Retrieved 25 May 2008.