'Abd al-Ilah

of Kingdom of JordanJordan ('right'), 25 May 1946.

"Crown Prince Abd al-Ilāh of Iraq", Grand Cross in the Order of the BathGCB, GCMG, GCVO (Arabic: "عبد الإله" ) (also written "Abdul Ilah", "Abdul Illah", or "Abdullah"), (1913-July 14, 1958), was a cousin and brother-in-law of List of Kings of IraqKing Ghazi of IraqGhazi of the Kingdom of Iraq. Abdul Ilah served as Regent for King Faisal II of IraqFaisal II from April 4, 1939 to May 2, 1953, when Faisal came of age. He also held the title of Crown Prince of Iraq from 1943.

Biography
A son of Kingdom of HejazKing Ali ibn Hussein of HejazAli ibn Hussein of Hejaz, who was the elder brother of King Faisal I of Iraq, Abdul Ilah assumed power upon Ghazi of IraqGhazi's death in an automobile accident. He served as Regent for the under-age Faisal II of IraqFaisal II.

1941 Iraqi coup d'état
During World War II, Abdul Ilah was 1941 Iraqi coup d'étatdeposed briefly by former List of Prime Ministers of IraqPrime Minister Rashid Ali al-Kaylani. Rashid Ali led a pro-Nazi GermanyGerman 'coup d'état' during World War II against Abdul Ilah's pro-British government. After he fled the country, Abdul Ilah was replaced as Regent by Sherif Sharaf. Sherif Sharaf was an aging, holy-minded relative of King Feisal. The deposed Regent spent his time with former Prime Minister Nuri as-Said as a refugee in Amman. Abdul Ilah was a guest of Prince Abdullah I of Jordan‘Abd Allāh ibn al-Husayn, the future Hashemite ruler of Jordan.Time Magazine, 'Trouble in Paradise'

On 2 May, the United Kingdom launched Anglo-Iraqi Waroffensive actions against the Iraqi rebels. On 26 May, the New York Times newspaper reported that Abdul Illah had called for an uprising of tribal and religious leaders to help him overthrow the insurgent government. He appealed specifically to the Iraqi people, the army and the police to accomplish 'this heavy task.'

By 2 June, Rashid Ali's 'National Defence Government' had collapsed and Rashid Ali had fled to Kingdom of IranPersia. Abdul Ilah returned to Baghdad and was restored as Regent.Lyman, p.86

In 1942, Wendell Wilkie traveled to Britain and the Middle East as President of the United StatesPresident Franklin D. Roosevelt's personal representative. In Iraq, Abdul Ilah held a lavish state dinner attended by Wilkie.Time Magazine, Points East'

.
In 1945, Abdul Ilah visited the United States. He was the honoree at the first state dinner hosted by the new American First Lady, Bess Truman.Time Magazine, 'Family at Home' The Regent of 'friendly Iraq' was awarded a Legion of Merit Awards and decorations of the United States militarymilitary decoration by President Harry S. Truman.Time Magazine, 'Talk & Ceremony'

In 1953, Abdul Ilah stepped down when Faisal II came of age. But he continued to be a close adviser of the young King, and an advocate of a pro-Western foreign policy.

In 1955, Iraq adopted the Baghdad Pact (also known as the Central Treaty Organization, or CENTO). The other members of the organization were Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. The organization's headquarters were initially located in Baghdad.

In May 1957, King of the Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaKing Ibn Saud of Saudi ArabiaIbn Saud made an eight-day visit to Iraq. He was met on his arrival by King Faisel II, Crown Prince Abdul Ilah, and Prime Minister Nuri as-Said. It was the Saudi King's first ever visit to Iraq and it commemorated Iraq's membership in the Arab Federation and its break with the United Arab Republic of Gamal Abdel Nasser.Time Magazine, 'Gathering of Kings'

14 July Revolution
During the 14 July Revolution, Abdul Ilah was killed, along with most of the royal family. On 14 July 1958, a 'coup d'état' led by Colonel Abdul Karim Qassim toppled the government and brought an end to the Iraqi monarchy. The body of Abdul Ilah was trailed on al Rashid street and was cut into pieces. According to the 21 July edition of Time Magazine, Gamel Abdel Nasser's 'Middle East News Agency gleefully described the assassination of Crown Prince Abdul Illah: 'The people dragged Abdul Illah's body into the street like that of a dog and tore it limb from limb.' Then the mobs burned the body.'Time Magazine, 'Revolt in Baghdad'

Military ranks
'Abd al-Ilah held the following ranks:
Field Marshal, Royal Iraqi Army
Marshal of the Royal Iraqi Air Force
Air Marshal (honorary), Royal Air Force

See also
1941 Iraqi coup d'état
Baghdad Pact
14 July Revolution

Notes


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en.wikipedia.org