In the early 20th century, the Arab world was undergoing tectonic shifts — empires were falling, nationalism was rising, and new states were being born. Amid this transformation stood Ali Sherif Al Askari, a pivotal figure in the formation of Iraq’s military and political identity. Often overlooked in mainstream historical narratives, Al Askari was a strategist, a soldier, and a statesman who helped shape Iraq’s foundational institutions during a volatile period of change.
Early Life and Ottoman Service
Ali Sherif Al Askari was born in the late 19th century in the Ottoman-controlled Middle East, at a time when loyalty to the empire coexisted uneasily with emerging Arab nationalist aspirations. Coming from a respected family of scholars and military men, he was drawn into military service early in life, receiving formal training at the prestigious Ottoman Military Academy in Istanbul.
As an officer in the Ottoman army, Al Askari gained firsthand experience in logistics, command, and political maneuvering — skills that would later prove crucial in his leadership role during Iraq’s post-World War I nation-building efforts. However, his growing disillusionment with Ottoman centralism and his identification with Arab nationalist ideals gradually led him to seek a different vision for his people.
The Arab Revolt and Role in National Awakening
During World War I, Al Askari defected from the Ottoman ranks and joined the Arab Revolt, a coalition of Arab nationalists led by Sharif Hussein and supported by the British. Al Askari worked closely with the likes of T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) and Emir Faisal, who would later become the first king of Iraq. His leadership in organizing rebel forces and his understanding of both Ottoman and British strategies made him a vital figure in the success of the revolt in Mesopotamia.
Following the war, as Britain carved out its mandate over Iraq, Al Askari became one of the key architects of the newly emerging Iraqi military, tasked with building a national army capable of defending the country while maintaining internal cohesion.
Architect of the Iraqi Army
Ali Sherif Al Askari was appointed Iraq’s first Minister of Defense under King Faisal I in the early 1920s. In this role, he focused on creating a professional, centralized military force grounded in modern training while also navigating complex tribal and sectarian dynamics.
Al Askari introduced standardized officer training, recruited former Ottoman officers, and emphasized loyalty to the state rather than to tribal or religious identities. His work laid the foundation for what would become the Royal Iraqi Army, a cornerstone institution for the nation’s sovereignty.
Yet, he faced numerous challenges — British oversight, internal divisions, and political infighting. Despite these, he managed to establish a military academy, develop officer corps, and initiate military codes of conduct based on British and Ottoman models but tailored to Iraqi realities.
Legacy and Impact
Ali Sherif Al Askari’s legacy is multifaceted. He is remembered as a pragmatic nationalist who balanced Western influence with Arab autonomy, a military modernizer who helped professionalize Iraq’s defense forces, and a political advisor who played a quiet yet influential role in stabilizing the new monarchy.
Though later overshadowed by more flamboyant political figures in Iraqi history, Al Askari’s contributions endure in Iraq’s institutional memory. Many military historians and regional analysts recognize him as the “father of the Iraqi army”, whose efforts prevented fragmentation during Iraq’s formative years.
Final Years
Al Askari continued to serve in advisory and diplomatic roles into the 1930s but gradually retreated from public life as Iraq’s political climate grew more unstable. His commitment to state-building, however, remained a guiding influence for generations of Iraqi military leaders.
Conclusion
In a time of upheaval and uncertainty, Ali Sherif Al Askari emerged as a stabilizing force, marrying strategic foresight with deep cultural understanding. His work as Iraq’s military architect not only secured the fledgling state’s borders but also laid the groundwork for a unified national identity — one that still grapples with the challenges he once tried to overcome. Today, his story serves as a testament to the enduring power of leadership, vision, and dedication to national service.