Muhammad Najib ar-Ruba'i

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.

His Excellency Muhammad Najib ar-Ruba'i
محمد نجيب الربيعي
Al-Rubaiy in 1960
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	(1904-07-14)14 July 1904 Baghdad, Baghdad Vilayet, Ottoman Empire
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

At the Military Staff College in Iraq, 1942. Ar-Ruba'i is the third officer seated, from the right.

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

1. Cahoon, Ben (2000). "Iraq - Chronology" (web). worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 25 May 2008.
2. "Iraq PROFILE" (web). U.S. Department of State. 17 October 2006. Retrieved 25 May 2008.

Preceded by Faisal II (as King of Iraq)	President of Iraq 14 July 1958 – 8 February 1963	Succeeded by Abd as-Salam Arif