Abd al-Karim Barjas

Abdul Karim Burjas al-Rawi (died 14 June 2022)[1] was the first post-invasion Governor of Iraq's Al Anbar province, serving until July 2004, when he resigned.

Governor
Abdul Karim Burjas al-Rawi
عبد الكريم برجس الراوي
Governor of Anbar
In office
2003 – July 2004
Appointed byAnbar Provincial Council (PC)
Preceded byAhmed Abdallah Saleh
Succeeded byFaisal Raikan al-Gut al-Nimrawi (acting)
Personal details
BornIraq
Died14 June 2022
Amman, Jordan
OccupationPolitician

Biography

Shortly after the invasion in 2003, Sunni tribal leaders and former Ba'athists, led by members of the Al-Kharbit (Khalifa) and Al-Gaoud (Nimr) families met to select Karim Burjas, a former General, as their unofficial leader and new Governor of Anbar Province. Burjas's position was later recognized by the coalition.

Barjas resigned in July 2004 after his 3 sons were released in Fallujah by militants who had been holding them. The militants responsible then released a video on 5 August 2004 showing Barjas resigning and apologizing for opposing the Iraqi insurgency. In the video Barjas stated, "I am Abd al-Karim Barjas, governor of Al-Anbar. I declare before God and you my repentance of any action I did against the mujahedin, and I announce my resignation of my post." The US subsequently announced it would not make concessions to hostage takers.[2] The militants responsible were believed to be members of al-Qaeda in Iraq.[3]

Following his resignation he retired from public service.[3]

After his resignation an interim governor filled the role of Governor of Anbar.[4] Faisal Raikan al-Gut al-Nimrawi served as interim Governor until being forced out by tribal leaders[5] in January 2005, and the Provincial Governing Council subsequently appointed Raja Nawaf Farhan al-Mahalawi as the new Governor.[4]

References
  1. وفاة-أول-محافظ-للانبار-ب (in Arabic)
  2. "Fierce Fighting Escalates In Iraq". Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty. 31 August 2004. Retrieved 31 August 2013.
  3. Perry, Mark (2010). Talking to Terrorists: Why America Must Engage with Its Enemies. Basic Books. p. 225. ISBN 9780465011179.
  4. Kimberly Johnson (27 June 2006). "Governor not backing off in violent Anbar". USA Today. Retrieved 31 August 2013.
  5. "Governor of Iraqi province seized". Al Jazeera. 11 May 2005. Retrieved 31 August 2013.
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