Abdel Razzaq Takriti discusses Iraq's 1958 July Revolution, class conflict, and rivalries among Qasim, Nasser, and the Communist Party. Delving into post-revolutionary power dynamics and communist influence, the podcast explores Iraq's complex political landscape and struggles for independence in the Arab world.
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Quick takeaways
The July Revolution in Iraq aimed to create an egalitarian state with Abdul Karim Qasim and the Communist Party in power.
Emergence of Kurdish nationalism alongside the Iraqi Communist Party influenced revolutionary movements post-World War I.
Abdul Karim Qasim emerged as the paramount leader post-July Revolution with active support from the Communist Party.
Conflicts between revolutionary factions in Iraq escalated into violent confrontations, leading to Qasim's power consolidations and crackdown on communist influence.
Deep dives
Emergence of Black Anti-Fascist Tradition
Generations of Black activists like Ida B. Wells and Angela Y. Davis have stood within a tradition of Black anti-fascism, as highlighted in The Black Anti-Fascist Tradition by Janelle Cahope and Bill V. Mullen. The book explores the activism and ideas of prominent figures such as Claudia Jones, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Amy Cesar in fighting fascism and anti-Blackness, emphasizing the development of effective tools and strategies for resistance.
Founding of the United Arab Republic
The Dig's rolling series FaWara delves into the complex 20th-century Arab politics, detailing events from British and French colonial mandates to the establishment of the United Arab Republic by Nasser in 1958. The episodes trace the emergence of regional Cold War dynamics, conflicts between revolutionary currents, and the fusion of Syria and Egypt under Nasser's rule, showcasing a transformative period in Arab politics.
Iraq's July Revolution of 1958
The Iraq episode covers the July Revolution that overthrew the Hashimite monarchy, bringing Abdul Karim Qasim and the Communist Party to power alongside a surge of popular mobilization. The revolution aimed at creating an egalitarian developmentalist state, highlighting conflicts between revolutionary forces like the Baathists and Communists, culminating in a series of coups reshaping Iraq's political landscape.
Rise of Kurdish Nationalism and Communist Influence in Iraq
The discussion delves into the emergence of Kurdish nationalism alongside the Iraqi Communist Party, rooted in economic, social, and political shifts post-World War I. The party's appeal among diverse social classes and ethnic groups, including Kurds, shaped the political landscape, influencing revolutionary movements and challenging Western interests, notably in the oil sector, setting the stage for Iraq's revolutionary transformations.
Cosm's Ascendancy and Communist Alliance
Following the July Revolution, Abdul Karim Qasim swiftly emerged as the paramount leader, overshadowing his co-conspirator Arif, with active support from the Communist Party. The alliance between Cosm and the communists solidified, as the party promoted Cosm as the sole leader, showcasing a bolstered relationship that elevated them above rivals and steered the post-revolutionary governance in Iraq.
Complex Political Dynamics in Iraq
The political landscape in Iraq during this period was characterized by intricate conflicts and tensions, influenced by domestic and regional relationships. Internal unrest within Iraq and its connection to the United Arab Republic (UAR) created challenges between different regions like Syria and Egypt. The decisions made by the Egyptian government concerning the communists in Syria, particularly Khaled Bikdash's significant role in the communist movement, impacted the overall political dynamic.
Ambiguous Nationalist and Communist Alliances
The reluctance of Iraqi communists to support immediate union with the UAR stemmed from concerns about losing political influence and the potential marginalization within a larger Sunni nation. Amidst these complexities, Adir Karim Qasim also displayed ambiguity regarding aligning with either nationalist or communist factions, ultimately steering Iraq towards a distinct national identity. Qasim's leadership emphasized inclusivity across various ethnic and religious groups while balancing conflicting social conflicts.
Escalating Revolutionary Conflicts
Tensions escalated into intense conflicts within revolutionary factions, marked by attempted uprisings and political violence. The period witnessed a complex interplay of class, sectarian, and ideological divisions, culminating in violent confrontations between communists and nationalists. The aftermath of these events led to power consolidations by Qasim, revealing a shift towards personal dictatorship and a crackdown on communist influence.
Featuring Abdel Razzaq Takriti, this is the TENTH episode of Thawra (Revolution), our rolling mini-series on Arab radicalism in the 20th century. Today’s installment tells the story of Iraq’s 1958 July Revolution: a Free Officers’ coup overthrew the imperialist-aligned Hashemite monarchy and brought nationalist Abdul-Karim Qasim to power alongside a surging Communist Party. Revolutionary currents soon turned against one another, however, as did Qasim and Nasser. Conflict stemmed from serious political and strategic differences, but also petty rivalries and bitter feuds. And in Iraq, class conflict often appeared dressed up in the sectarian and ethnic modalities through which class was lived.
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