IRAQ: SADDAM APPOINTS HIMSELF PRIME MINISTER

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 0005389169
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: June 23, 2015
• Document Release Date: August 26, 2010
• Case Number: F-2009-00854
• Publication Date: June 1, 1994

-i (WjFY` O6. 01. ' 04 11 :07 NO. I46u U44D4 / YAlih
Despite their dramatic appearance--Saddam had never directly
assumed a cabinet position since becoming President--these
measures are unlikely to signal major policy shifts.
o No minister was expelled from the cabinet--even former
Prime Minister Rhudayir retains his.portfolioas
Finance Minister. .
o An official statement following Aziz' 29 May report to
Saddam and the RCC on the May UN sanctions review
exceptional interest in economic issues."
NESA
APPROVED FOR RELEASE[] DATE:
07-07-2010
Iraq: $add Appoints Himself Prime Minister
Saddam's inet shuffle highlights the serious economic
pressures confronting him--and his apparent need to address'
them directly. The changes may presage domestic initiatives
against crime. or inflation, but do not Portend ajor
changes in foreign policy.
Baghdad announced on 29 May that Saddam had assumed the post of
Prime Minister, replacing Ahmad Husayn Khudayir al-samarra'i in
the fourth change of premiers since the Gulf war. Saddam also .
appointed two members of the.ruling Revolution Command Council
(RCC)--Vice President Taha Yasin Ramadan al-Jizrawi and
Presidential Advisor Muhammad Hamzah al-Zubaydi--to Deputy
Prime Minister posts alongside Deputy Prime Minister Tariq
Aziz. 'A public statement attributed the changes to "the
lauded progress in the Security Council, suggesting
Saddam's endorsement of Aziz' diplomatic strategy.
Saddam's measures are part of an urgent.effort to restore an
image of effective, paternal leadership amid quickly worsening
economic conditions--including the dinar's recent fall to an
alltime low of 510 to the dollar. ? - ? -
(b)(1)
(b)(3)
 o During his first cabinet meeting as Prime Minister on
30 May, Saddam admonished his ministers to take
responsibility for solving Iraq's problems and not-to
"wait for good news" concerning the embargo, according
~~ ravvo avlvr ou. .
.position; he was "aware of the minor details" and
. understood the hardships of the average Iraqi. .
Saddam also may use his new position to take a more visible
role in the daily workings of government, especially to launch
high-profile initiatives against crime and inflation. Like his
previous programs--such as ordering summary executions of money
changers--these initiatives will probably appear decisive but