Ramadan Revolution

The coup of February 8, 1963, dropping the image of Qasim

Ramadan Revolution

The Ramadan Revolution (Arabic: ثورة رمضان‎), also known as the 8 February Revolution, was a coup d'état led by the Ba'ath Party's Iraqi faction which took place on 8 February 1963 in Iraq. The coup resulted in the overthrow of the government of Abdul Karim Qasim, who had been in power since the 14 July Revolution in 1958.

Background

The 14 July Revolution had ended the Hashemite monarchy in Iraq and established a republic under the leadership of Abdul Karim Qasim. However, Qasim's rule faced significant opposition from various political factions, including the Ba'ath Party, which sought to establish a pan-Arab socialist state.

The Coup

On 8 February 1963, the Ba'ath Party, with the support of elements within the Iraqi Armed Forces, launched a coup against Qasim's government. The coup was marked by intense fighting in Baghdad and other major cities. Qasim was captured and executed shortly after the coup.

Aftermath

Following the coup, the Ba'ath Party established a new government with Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr as Prime Minister and Ali Salih al-Sa'di as Deputy Prime Minister. The new regime implemented a series of socialist and nationalist policies, aligning Iraq more closely with other Arab nationalist movements in the region.

Significance

The Ramadan Revolution was a pivotal event in Iraqi history, marking the rise of the Ba'ath Party to power. It set the stage for future political developments in Iraq, including the eventual rise of Saddam Hussein.

See Also

• 14 July Revolution
• Ba'ath Party
• Abdul Karim Qasim
• Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr
• Saddam Hussein
• Iraqi Armed Forces

Further Reading

• History of Iraq
• Arab nationalism
• Socialism in the Arab world