The election of the seventh president of Iraq in 2014 saw Fuad Masum secure 211 votes from parliamentary representatives, far outpacing his closest rival. This transition marked a critical moment for the Iraqi state during a period of significant regional instability, requiring the new president to address complex security, political, and economic challenges immediately upon taking office.
Academic Background
Born in 1938 in the city of Koy Sanjaq, Masum followed a path in religious and secular scholarship early in his life. He spent his formative years attending religious schools across Iraqi Kurdistan before enrolling at the University of Baghdad to study Sharia and law. In 1958, he moved to Cairo to continue his studies, eventually earning a Doctor of Philosophy in Islamic philosophy from Al-Azhar University in 1975.
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Masum entered organized politics in 1962 by joining the Iraqi Communist Party. He eventually withdrew from the party in 1964 following disagreements regarding the Kurdish movement. He subsequently aligned himself with the Kurdistan Democratic Party, where he served as a representative in Basra in 1968. During this era, he also acted as a representative of the Kurdish Revolution in Cairo until 1975.
Leadership in Transition
In 1976, Masum became a founder of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan. His career progressed through various roles including Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region in 1992 and a member of the Transitional National Assembly between 2004 and 2005. He played a significant role in the legislative process following the 2003 invasion, serving on the committee tasked with drafting the national constitution. By 2010, he achieved the role of Speaker of the Council of Representatives.
Presidential Tenure
Masum served as the president of Iraq from 24 July 2014 to 2 October 2018. His term began amidst a constitutional dispute when he appointed Haider al-Abadi as prime minister. While the outgoing leader Nouri al-Maliki challenged the legality of this appointment, citing foreign conspiracy, he eventually resigned. Masum remained in the presidency until 2018, operating within the framework of Iraq's political balance where the office is traditionally held by a Kurdish official.
Fast facts
- Born: 1938, Koy Sanjaq
- Education: Al-Azhar University; University of Baghdad
- President of Iraq: 2014-2018
- Speaker of Council of Representatives: 2010
- Member of Transitional National Assembly: 2004-2005
- Religion: Sunni Islam
Questions readers ask
What academic degree did Fuad Masum hold?
He held a Doctor of Philosophy in Islamic philosophy, which he earned from Al-Azhar University in 1975.
Was Fuad Masum the first Kurdish president of Iraq?
No, he was the second Kurdish president of Iraq, succeeding Jalal Talabani.
Achievements
- President of Iraq (2014–2018)
- Speaker of Council of Representatives of Iraq (2010–2010)
- Member of the Transitional National Assembly (2004–2005)
- Educated at Al-Azhar University and University of Baghdad
