The Iraqi Coups of July 1968 and the American Connection

After the June 1967 war, Iraqi President 'Abd al-Rahman 'Arif and Prime Minister Tahir Yahya broke diplomatic relations with Washington and began signing strategic economic agreements for oil development with France and the Soviet Union. On 17 July 1968 their regime was toppled by a coup initiated by members of the Baʽth Party and a group of military officers. Just 13 days later in another coup initiated by the Baʽth, the officer leadership was deposed. This article examines Washington's reaction to the two coups and the indications of the western orientation of the short-lived regime that ended on 30 July. It also reveals findings that support the claim of American involvement in the overthrow of 'Arif.