View source for Taha Yassin Ramadan

{{Short description|7th vice president of Iraq}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| image               = Taha Yassin Ramadhan 1988.jpg
| imagesize           = 250px
| caption             = Ramadan on 14 November 1988
| order               = [[Vice President of Iraq]]
| alongside           = [[Taha Muhie-eldin Marouf]] and [[Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri]]
| term_start          = March 1991
| term_end            = 9 April 2003
| predecessor         = [[Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri]]
| successor           = [[Ibrahim Jaafari]] and [[Rowsch Shaways]]
| president           = [[Saddam Hussein]]
| order1              = Head of the [[Popular Army (Iraq)|Popular Army]]
| term_start1         = 1974
| term_end1           = 1991
| office2             = Deputy Secretary of the  [[Regional Command of the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party – Iraq Region|Regional Command]] of the [[Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party – Iraq Region|Iraqi Regional Branch]]
| term_start2         = 16 July 1979
| term_end2           = September 1991
| predecessor2        = [[Saddam Hussein]]
| successor2          = [[Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri]]
| office3             = Member of the [[Regional Command of the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party – Iraq Region|Regional Command]] of the [[Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party – Iraq Region|Iraqi Regional Branch]]
| term_start3         = October 1966
| term_end3           = 9 April 2003
| birth_date          = 20 February 1938
| birth_place         = {{flagicon|Kingdom of Iraq}} [[Mosul]], [[Kingdom of Iraq|Iraq]]
| death_date          = {{death date and age|2007|03|20|1938|2|20|df=y}}
| death_place         = {{flagicon|Iraq}} [[Baghdad]], [[Iraq]]
| party               = [[Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party – Iraq Region|Iraqi Regional Branch]] of the [[Ba'ath Party (Iraqi-dominated faction)|Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party]]
| death_cause         = [[Execution by hanging]]
| native_name_lang    = ar
| native_name         = {{Script/Arabic|طه ياسين رمضان}}
}}
'''Taha Yassin Ramadan al-Jazrawi''' ({{langx|ar|طه ياسين رمضان الجزراوي}}; 20 February 1938 – 20 March 2007) was an [[Iraq|Iraqi]] military officer and politician who served as the [[Vice President of Iraq|vice president of Iraq]] from March 1991 to the fall of [[Saddam Hussein]] in April 2003 and the commander of the [[Popular Army (Iraq)|Popular Army]].

He is often referred to as "the difficult man" and "the man of major missions." Known for his serious demeanor and deep knowledge of Iraqi-Soviet relations, he has played a significant role in Iraq's leadership. 
== Early life ==
Ramadan was born sometime between 1936 and 1938 to a peasant family in [[Mosul]].<ref>{{Cite web | title=FIL-55-2003 Attachment {{!}} FDIC.gov | url=https://www.fdic.gov/news/inactive-financial-institution-letters/2003/fil0355a.html | access-date=2025-08-24 | website=www.fdic.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Joffe |first=Lawrence |date=2007-03-21 |title=Taha Yassin Ramadan |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2007/mar/21/guardianobituaries.iraq |access-date=2024-04-22 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> His family categorically denied [[Kurds in Iraq|Kurdish]] origin and his son explained that Western news agencies had made an error due to the fact that the late Iraqi President Saddam Hussein had two vice presidents: one representing Kurds, Taha Muhi al-Din Ma’rouf and the other vice president representing Arabs.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-03-21 |title=نجل طه ياسين رمضان لـ«البيان»: والدي عربي وليس كردياً |url=https://www.albayan.ae/one-world/2007-03-22-1.156076 |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=www.albayan.ae |language=ar}}</ref> He grew up in Mosul until he obtained his high school diploma. Ramadan graduated from the Military College and initially retired from service in 1959.

== Formative Career ==
He returned to the military following the events of February 8, 1963, but retired again in 1964 and spent two years under house arrest. Subsequently, he was elected as a member of the regional leadership of the Iraqi Ba'ath Party.

After the [[17 July Revolution]] of 1968, he was reinstated in the army and became a member of the Revolutionary Command Council in November 1969. In early 1970, he presided over a special court that tried "enemies of the revolution." By March 1970, he was appointed Minister of Industry, a role he held until becoming Minister of Housing in 1976.

Ramadan also served as the commander of the Iraqi Popular Army, a militia aligned with the Ba'ath Party. In early 1974, he was re-elected to the Ba'ath Party's regional leadership and acted as Minister of Planning from November 1974 to May 1976. By 1977, he was elected to the National Command of the Ba'ath Party.

Ramadan provided insight into the People’s Army, a key component of Iraq’s defense strategy. He explained that while the People’s Army, with around 600,000 trained members, was a reserve force, it was not a regular military unit. Its primary role was to support the regular army and maintain the home front. Ramadan stated that the People's Army was a militia with a unique training regime and was integrated into the national defense under the leadership of the regular army. The personnel of the People’s Army participated in front-line duties based on military leadership's guidance.

Regarding the potential for peace, Ramadan reiterated Iraq's readiness for negotiations based on international norms, historical borders, and non-interference in internal affairs. However, he maintained that the Iranian conditions for ending the war were unacceptable, as they amounted to a breach of Iraq’s sovereignty.

== Deputy Prime Minister ==
On July 16, 1979, following Saddam Hussein's rise to the presidency, Ramadan was appointed First Deputy Prime Minister. This position enabled him to oversee the activities of various ministries and state institutions, as well as undertake visits to Western European countries and the former Soviet Union.

=== Iran–Iraq War ===
[[File:Ben Ali with Taha Yassin Ramadhan 1988.jpg|thumb|224x224px|Taha Yassin Ramadan with [[Zine El Abidine Ben Ali|Ben Ali]] of Tunisia, 1988]]
[[File:ÖZAL T. YASIN RAMAZAN ORHAN UĞUROĞLU BAĞDAT 1984.jpg|left|thumb|Turkish Prime Minister [[Turgut Özal]] with Ramadan in Baghdad, 1984]]
[[File:TBO-2-Ramadhan-20061988.jpg|left|thumb|Ramadan receiving  the Brazilian Deputy Foreign Minister Paulo Tarso Flecha de Lima, 1988 ]]
During the interview, Ramadan was asked about the broader Arab context of the Iran-Iraq war. He stated that in the early years of the war, some Arab parties used the conflict as a cover for their own issues, claiming that Iraq’s involvement was a distraction from the real battle – the defense of Palestine. Ramadan emphasized that Iraq’s defense of its sovereignty, especially in Basra and the Shatt al-Arab region, was critical, as those territories were central to Iraq's survival. He pointed out that the reluctance of some Arab countries to fully support Iraq in its struggle against Iran was part of a broader Arab disunity that was weakening the region.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=From Archive: Taha Yassin Ramadan to Majalla: Peace with Iran is Possible Under the Current Regime |url=https://en.majalla.com/node/195121/interviewsarchive-taha-yassin-ramadan-majalla-peace-iran-possible-under-current-regime |access-date=2025-02-17 |website=en.majalla.com |language=en}}</ref>

He expressed disappointment with certain Arab states that failed to take decisive or supportive stances, criticizing their inability to act when Iraq was under direct threat. Ramadan lamented the "silent spectator" role many Arab countries took during the war, reflecting what he described as a painful and fragmented Arab political landscape. According to Ramadan, had the Arab countries shown more unity and determination, the war might not have prolonged as it did.<ref name=":0" />

When asked whether the continuation of the war was driven by military or political decisions, Ramadan acknowledged that although Iran had indicated a desire to invade Iraq, the conflict had not yet reached a decisive point. He argued that while Iraq’s military strength was formidable, the Arab situation, international interests, and the Iranian stance made it difficult to resolve the war. He stressed that Iraq was committed to defending its land but had no intention of invading Iranian territory. Peace, he suggested, could only become a reality if Iran was willing to engage in meaningful negotiations.<ref name=":0" />

Finally, when questioned about reports of Iranian prisoners of war, Ramadan stated that he did not have official statistics on the number of prisoners. He denied the existence of civilian prisoners, although he invited further inquiries from ''The Economist''.<ref name=":0" />

=== Economy and social impact during war ===
On the topic of Iraq's economic situation during the war, Ramadan rejected claims that the country was facing a financial crisis. He acknowledged that the war had strained Iraq’s resources but argued that Iraq’s economy was structurally solid. Iraq had managed to navigate the challenges of war without significant disruption to its internal economic stability. Ramadan pointed out that, despite the war, Iraq had continued to build and maintain its infrastructure, with citizens generally not feeling the war's effects as strongly as those in other nations involved in shorter conflicts. He refuted claims that Iraq’s economic difficulties were due to war, stating that the situation was more about monetary adjustments and borrowing from various countries, which did not indicate an imbalance.<ref name=":0" />

Ramadan emphasized that Iraq's economy was adapting and continuing to grow, despite challenges. He argued that the nation’s socialist approach, combined with its ability to maintain economic activity even during war, set it apart from other countries. He also noted that while citizens did feel some concern over scarcity, the overall economic health of the country remained strong.<ref name=":0" />

In the interview, Ramadan was asked about the social consequences of the Iraq-Iran war, particularly concerning the impact on students and families. He dismissed the notion that university students were being unnecessarily sent to the front lines, claiming that the Iraqi government ensured students could finish their education before being called to serve. He acknowledged that the war had created some social issues, but he emphasized the government’s focus on keeping the public engaged and responsible for their own defense.<ref name=":0" />

== Vice President ==

=== Foreign relations ===
[[File:Vladimir Putin 18 April 2001-1.jpg|left|thumb|228x228px|Russian president [[Vladimir Putin]] meeting with Iraqi vice president Taha Yassin Ramadan in 2001]]Despite international pressure, he played a crucial role in strengthening Iraq's diplomatic and economic ties with several key nations.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Joffe |first=Lawrence |date=2007-03-21 |title=Taha Yassin Ramadan |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2007/mar/21/guardianobituaries.iraq |access-date=2025-02-17 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> He led efforts to improve relations with Russia, India, Iran, and neighboring countries, positioning Iraq as a more active player on the global stage.<ref name=":1" /> His outreach aimed at diversifying Iraq's alliances and reducing its dependence on Western powers, particularly amid ongoing tensions with the United States.<ref name=":1" /> In 2000, Ramadan made an official visit to India.

At the same time, according to Middle East analyst [[Amir Taheri]], he was also involved in a "Mafia-style crime syndicate" that dominated Iraq's trade, particularly in dealings with France and Germany.<ref name=":1" /> This suggests that beyond official diplomatic efforts, he played a significant role in managing illicit networks that facilitated trade and imports, circumventing international sanctions.<ref name=":1" />

In 2000 and 2001, he further expanded Iraq's economic partnerships by signing free trade agreements with countries such as Jordan, Egypt, and Syria.<ref name=":1" /> These agreements weakened U.S. efforts to isolate Iraq economically and politically, providing the country with alternative markets and trade routes despite ongoing sanctions.<ref name=":1" /> His ability to foster these alliances demonstrated a strategic push to counterbalance American influence in the region.<ref name=":1" />

=== Proposed resolution to United States–Iraq conflict ===
In October 2002, four months before the United States invaded Iraq, Ramadan suggested U.S. President [[George W. Bush]] and Saddam Hussein settle their difference in a [[duel]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/2297371.stm|title=Bush challenged to 'duel' with Saddam, October 3, 2002 |work=BBC News|date=3 October 2002|access-date=19 October 2009}}</ref> He reasoned this would not only serve as an alternative to a war that was certain to damage Iraq's infrastructure,<ref name=":2">{{cite news|author=Kelly Wallace |url=http://archives.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/meast/10/03/iraq.bush.duel/|title=W.H. rejects Bush-Saddam duel offer|work=CNN |date=3 October 2002|access-date=19 October 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417114752/http://archives.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/meast/10/03/iraq.bush.duel/|archive-date=17 April 2009}}</ref> but that it would also reduce the suffering of the Iraqi and American peoples. Ramadan's offer included the possibility that a group of US officials would face off with a group of Iraqi officials of same or similar rank (President v. President, Vice President v. Vice President, etc.). Ramadan proposed that the duel be held in a neutral land, with each party using the same weapons, and with [[UN Secretary General]] [[Kofi Annan]] presiding as the supervisor. On behalf of Bush, [[White House Press Secretary]] [[Ari Fleischer]] declined the offer.

=== Later years ===
[[File:Mansur Al-Atrash3.jpg|thumb|Hasan Muraywed, President of the Revolutionary Command Council of Syria [[Mansur al-Atrash|Mansour al-Atrash]], and Ramadan, 2002]]
Ramadan endured multiple assassination attempts, surviving two in 1997 and another in 1999, highlighting the volatile nature of Iraqi politics and the threats he faced from both internal and external adversaries.<ref name=":2" /> Despite these dangers, his unwavering loyalty to Saddam Hussein ensured his continued presence in the upper echelons of power.<ref name=":2" /> However, this same loyalty also constrained him, preventing him from making an independent bid for absolute authority.<ref name=":2" />

In his later years, his influence diminished as Saddam's sons, Uday Hussein and Qusay Hussein, consolidated their control, sidelining other key figures within the regime.<ref name=":2" /> While Ramadan remained a significant figure, he was ultimately overshadowed by the growing dominance of the Hussein family.<ref name=":2" />

== Post-2003 ==
Following the fall of Saddam's government, Taha Yasin Ramadan was placed on the [[U.S. list of most-wanted Iraqis]] and depicted as the "Ten of Diamonds" in the [[Most-wanted Iraqi playing cards|US deck of most-wanted Iraqi playing cards]]. He was captured on August 19, 2003, in [[Mosul]], by fighters of the [[Patriotic Union of Kurdistan]] (PUK) and handed over to US forces.<ref>{{cite web |date=19 August 2003 |title=Saddam's VP Is Captured |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/saddams-vp-is-captured/ |access-date=20 March 2007 |work=CBS News |publisher=CBS |agency=Associated Press}}</ref>

He was one of the defendants in the [[Iraq Special Tribunal]]'s [[Trial of Saddam Hussein|Al-Dujail trial]]. On 5 November 2006, he was sentenced to life imprisonment. On 26 December 2006, the appeals court sent the case file back to the Tribunal, saying the sentence was too lenient and demanding a death sentence.<ref>{{cite web |date=28 December 2006 |title=Iraqi court upholds Saddam's death sentence |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna13163805 |access-date=20 March 2007 |work=NBC News |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> 

== Execution ==
On 12 February 2007, he was sentenced to death by hanging.<ref>{{cite news |date=12 February 2007 |title=Top Saddam aide sentenced to hang |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6354205.stm |access-date=20 March 2007 |work=BBS News}}</ref> His sentence was carried out on the fourth anniversary of US invasion of Iraq, before dawn on 20 March 2007.<ref>{{cite news |date=20 March 2007 |title=Former Iraq vice-president hanged |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6468495.stm |access-date=20 March 2007 |work=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Kim Gamel |date=20 March 2007 |title=Taha Yassin Ramadan, Saddam's Deputy, Is Hanged Before Dawn |url=http://www2.nysun.com/article/50761 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071231213258/http://www.nysun.com/article/50761 |archive-date=31 December 2007 |access-date=24 April 2008 |work=New York Sun |agency=Associated Press}}</ref>

== See also ==

* [[Saddam Hussein]]
* [[Ibrahim Hesqel]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Ba'ath Party}}
{{U.S. list of most-wanted Iraqis}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ramadan, Taha Yasin}}
[[Category:1938 births]]
[[Category:2007 deaths]]
[[Category:21st-century executions by Iraq]]
[[Category:Executed Iraqi people]]
[[Category:Executed Kurdish people]]
[[Category:Executed mass murderers]]
[[Category:Executed politicians]]
[[Category:Iraqi Kurdistani politicians]]
[[Category:Heads of state and government who were later imprisoned]]
[[Category:Iraq War prisoners of war]]
[[Category:Iraqi Kurdish people]]
[[Category:Iraqi mass murderers]]
[[Category:Iraqi people convicted of crimes against humanity]]
[[Category:Iraqi politicians convicted of crimes]]
[[Category:Iraqi prisoners of war]]
[[Category:Iraqi Sunni Muslims]]
[[Category:Members of the Regional Command of the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party – Iraq Region]]
[[Category:People executed by Iraq by hanging]]
[[Category:People executed for crimes against humanity]]
[[Category:People from Mosul]]
[[Category:People of the 1991 Iraqi uprisings]]
[[Category:Politicide perpetrators]]
[[Category:Vice presidents of Iraq]]