# Tariq Aziz

> Iraqi Foreign Minister under Saddam Hussein (1936-2015)

**Wikidata**: [Q315214](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q315214)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tariq_Aziz)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tariq-aziz

## Summary
Tariq Aziz was an Iraqi politician and diplomat who served as Foreign Minister under Saddam Hussein. Born in 1936, he held key governmental roles until the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, playing a central part in Iraq's international relations during the Iran-Iraq War and Gulf War. Aziz died in 2015 while imprisoned for his involvement in the Saddam Hussein regime.

## Biography
- **Born:** April 28, 1936
- **Nationality:** Iraqi
- **Education:** University of Baghdad
- **Known for:** Serving as Iraqi Foreign Minister under Saddam Hussein
- **Employer(s):** Government of Iraq
- **Field(s):** Politics, Diplomacy

## Contributions
Tariq Aziz was a prominent figure in Saddam Hussein's government, serving as Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. He played a key role in Iraq's foreign policy during the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988) and the 1990–1991 Gulf War. Aziz was also involved in negotiations with the United Nations following the 1991 Gulf War. His diplomatic efforts included representing Iraq in international forums and advocating for the regime's interests abroad.

## FAQs
**What were Tariq Aziz's primary roles in the Iraqi government?**  
Aziz served as Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister under Saddam Hussein, shaping Iraq's foreign policy during critical conflicts like the Iran-Iraq War and the Gulf War.

**What conflicts was Tariq Aziz involved in during his tenure?**  
He played a central role in the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988) and the 1990–1991 Gulf War, defending Iraq's actions on the international stage.

**What happened to Tariq Aziz after the 2003 invasion?**  
Following the U.S.-led invasion, Aziz was imprisoned and sentenced to death for his involvement in the Saddam Hussein regime. He died in custody in 2015 before the sentence could be carried out.

**What was Tariq Aziz's educational background?**  
He studied at the University of Baghdad, though specific details about his degree are not provided in the source material.

## Why They Matter
Tariq Aziz was a pivotal figure in Saddam Hussein's regime, directly influencing Iraq's international relations during periods of intense regional and global conflict. His diplomatic efforts, though controversial, shaped the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Without Aziz, Iraq's engagement with the international community—particularly during the Iran-Iraq War and subsequent sanctions—would have lacked a key strategist and spokesperson.

## Notable For
- Serving as Iraqi Foreign Minister during the Iran-Iraq War and Gulf War.
- Acting as a primary diplomat for Saddam Hussein's regime.
- Being sentenced to death following the 2003 invasion, though he died in prison before execution.
- Representing Iraq in United Nations negotiations post-Gulf War.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Tariq Aziz was born on April 28, 1936. He pursued higher education at the University of Baghdad, though specific details about his academic achievements are not detailed in the provided source material.

### Political Career
Aziz rose to prominence as a key figure in Saddam Hussein's government. He served as Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, positions that granted him significant influence over Iraq's foreign policy. His tenure spanned critical periods, including the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988), where he defended Iraq's military actions, and the 1990–1991 Gulf War, which followed Iraq's invasion of Kuwait.

### Diplomatic Role
As Foreign Minister, Aziz was instrumental in representing Iraq on the international stage. He engaged in negotiations with the United Nations, particularly after the Gulf War, addressing sanctions and disarmament issues. His diplomatic efforts aimed to mitigate international isolation and advocate for Iraqi interests amid growing global scrutiny.

### Post-2003 Invasion and Imprisonment
Following the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, Aziz was captured and imprisoned. He faced trial and was sentenced to death for his role in the Saddam Hussein regime, specifically for involvement in the 1991 crackdown on Shiite uprisings. However, he died on June 5, 2015, while in custody, prior to the execution of his sentence.

### Legacy
Tariq Aziz's legacy is intertwined with the controversial policies of Saddam Hussein's regime. His diplomatic career reflects the complexities of Iraq's international relations during a tumultuous era marked by regional conflicts and global geopolitical shifts. Aziz's involvement in key negotiations and his defense of Iraqi actions on the world stage remain central to historical assessments of the regime's impact on the Middle East and beyond.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. International Standard Name Identifier
3. IMDb
4. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
5. Find a Grave
6. Munzinger Personen
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. Virtual International Authority File