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Born c. 1945

Baghdad, Iraq

Exiled Iraqi opposition leader who founded the Iraqi National Congress

"There is no substitute for an Iraqi political process ... to give legitimacy to a provisional government."

Ahmad Chalabi in an interview for Online NewsHour.

Ahmad Chalabi is one of the best-known members of the Iraqi opposition to Saddam Hussein's government. After living in exile abroad for most of his life, Chalabi returned to Iraq in 1992 to form the Iraqi National Congress, an influential coalition of major opposition groups. In the years leading up to the 2003 Iraq War, he was often mentioned as a possible future leader of Iraq.

Known for his intelligence, charm, and ambition, Chalabi gained the support of many U.S. leaders over the years, particularly within military circles. But many others questioned his honesty and integrity. "Some American...