Tariq Aziz's Email & Phone Number

📖 Summary

Tariq Aziz, a prominent figure in the Iraqi government, held several key positions in the regime of Saddam Hussein. As Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Advisor, Aziz wielded significant influence and played a pivotal role in shaping Iraq's foreign policy and diplomatic relations during a tumultuous period in the country's history.

Born Michel Yuhanna in 1936 in Mosul, Iraq, Tariq Aziz was a member of the Assyrian Christian minority. He was a highly educated individual, having earned a degree in English literature from the University of Baghdad before embarking on a career in journalism. Aziz eventually became the editor of the Babel newspaper, where he caught the eye of Saddam Hussein, who was then the Vice President of Iraq. Impressed by Aziz's intellect and eloquence, Saddam appointed him as his personal advisor in 1968, marking the beginning of Aziz's rise to power within the Iraqi government.

Aziz's tenure as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs spanned several decades, from the 1980s until the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime in 2003. He was known for his staunch loyalty to Saddam and was often regarded as the international face of the Iraqi government. Aziz's role as the Minister of Foreign Affairs put him at the forefront of Iraq's diplomatic efforts, particularly during the tumultuous periods of the Iran-Iraq War and the Gulf War. His proficiency in English made him an effective communicator on the world stage, where he passionately defended Iraq's policies and positions.

During his time in office, Aziz became a well-known figure in global politics, representing Iraq in various international forums and engaging in high-stakes diplomatic negotiations. He was instrumental in cultivating relationships with other countries, particularly those in the Arab world, and in forging strategic alliances to advance Iraq's interests. Aziz's diplomatic skills were put to the test during the 1990-1991 Gulf War, when Iraq's invasion of Kuwait prompted a swift and forceful response from the international community. As the face of Iraq's diplomacy, Aziz was tasked with presenting Iraq's case to the United Nations and other global forums, attempting to justify the country's actions and seeking support from sympathetic nations.

Aziz's role as a trusted advisor to Saddam Hussein gave him unparalleled access to the inner workings of the Iraqi government. His close relationship with the Iraqi leader afforded him significant influence in shaping domestic and foreign policies, as well as participating in high-level decision-making processes. As Deputy Prime Minister, Aziz was involved in a wide range of governmental matters, from economic policies to security and defense strategies. He was known for his unwavering loyalty to Saddam and his steadfast defense of the regime, even as it faced increasing isolation and condemnation from the international community.

After the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime in 2003, Aziz surrendered to U.S. forces and was subsequently detained. He faced numerous legal challenges, including charges related to human rights abuses and war crimes, stemming from his role in the Hussein government. In 2010, Aziz was convicted of crimes against humanity and sentenced to 15 years in prison. His health began to deteriorate during his incarceration, and he was transferred to a hospital in Baghdad in 2014, where he ultimately passed away at the age of 79.

Tariq Aziz's legacy is a complex and contentious one, shaped by his unwavering loyalty to Saddam Hussein and his prominent role in Iraq's government during a period of turmoil and international conflict. He was a skilled diplomat and a formidable advocate for Iraq's interests on the world stage, but his steadfast defense of a repressive regime ultimately led to his downfall. Despite the controversies surrounding his career, Aziz's impact on Iraqi politics and foreign relations is undeniable, and his story remains a compelling chapter in the history of the Middle East.