Aqila al-Hashimi facts for kids

Aqila al-Hashimi (born 1953 – died September 25, 2005) was an important Iraqi politician. She was a member of the Iraqi Governing Council, a group that helped lead Iraq after a major change in government.

Early Life and Education

Aqila al-Hashimi was born in 1953 in Najaf, a city in Iraq. She came from a well-known family that was respected for its religious background.

She was very dedicated to her studies. She earned a degree in law in Iraq. Later, she went to Sorbonne in Paris, France, where she completed a doctorate in French Literature.

Career in Government

In 1979, Aqila al-Hashimi began working for Iraq's Foreign Ministry. This is the part of the government that deals with other countries. She worked as a French translator.

She also managed a program called the Oil-for-Food Programme. This program allowed Iraq to sell oil to buy food and medicine for its people. She worked on this program under the government of Saddam Hussein.

Role in the Iraqi Governing Council

After the government changed, Aqila al-Hashimi became a member of the Iraqi Governing Council (IGC). This council was formed to help guide Iraq during a time of transition.

She was one of only three women on the IGC. She was also the only member who had worked in the previous Iraqi government. People thought she might become Iraq's new Ambassador to the United Nations, representing her country to the world.

Passing Away

Sadly, Aqila al-Hashimi passed away on September 25, 2005. She died from injuries she received five days earlier. Her car was attacked near her home in Baghdad. Some people believed that those who supported the previous leader were responsible for the attack.