Jamil al-Midfaʿi

1890 - 1959

Iraqi soldier, politician, and businessman.

Jamil al-Midfaʿi was born in Mosul in what is today northern Iraq. He fought in the Ottoman army in World War I but subsequently joined the Arab Revolt. He became minister of interior in the first cabinet of Nuri al-Saʿid in 1930, holding the post until November 1933. He was prime minister of Iraq seven times between 1933 and 1953.

— PETER SLUGLETT