Home > War in the Persian Gulf > Tariq Aziz Biography

Born 1936

Tell Kaif, Iraq

Iraqi foreign minister during the 1991 Persian Gulf War

"The Kuwaitis acted in an arrogant, irresponsible, provocative manner and that led to the deterioration of the situation."

Tariq Aziz in a interview for "Frontline."

Tariq Aziz was one of the most recognizable officials in the Iraqi government. He served as a top advisor to Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein for more than twenty years. During this time, he often appeared in the media and met with world leaders to explain Iraq's policies and negotiate political deals. As Iraq's foreign minister during the 1991 Persian Gulf War, Aziz defended Hussein's decision to invade Kuwait. He blamed the war on the United States, claiming that the U.S. government and its allies were determined to destroy Iraq.

After the 1991 war ended, Aziz remained a top advisor to Hussein as the deputy prime...