Tariq Aziz 1936 – 2015

Biography

Tariq Aziz was born on April 28, 1936, in Tel Keppe, beginning a life that would intersect with some of the most significant events of the modern Middle East. He would go on to serve as Foreign Minister of Iraq, a position that placed him at the center of complex diplomatic and political affairs during a transformative period in his nation’s history. His career in public service reflected the turbulent landscape of Iraqi governance and international relations throughout the latter half of the twentieth century.

On June 5, 2015, Tariq Aziz passed away in Nasiriyah following a myocardial infarction. He was 79 years old. His remains were laid to rest in the Madaba Governorate in Jordan, a final resting place that reflected the diaspora experiences of many who lived through the region’s conflicts and changes. Though his life and legacy remain subjects of historical debate and examination, Tariq Aziz’s passing marked the end of an era for those who lived through his tenure in Iraqi politics and diplomacy.