Saleh Kubba
Saleh Abdul Amir Kubba | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Baghdad, Iraq |
| Died | March 10, 2005 (aged 93) |
| Occupation(s) | Statesman, economist |
| Known for | Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, founding role in OPEC, Minister of Finance of Iraq |
Saleh Abdul Amir Kubba (in Arabic: صالح عبدالأمير كبة) was a prominent Iraqi statesman who held the position of governor at the Central Bank of Iraq, played a foundational role in the establishment of OPEC, and served as Iraq’s Minister of Finance.
Early life
Kubba was born on November 5, 1911, in Baghdad and belonged to the Rabia tribe. He completed his secondary education at Baghdad's Central Secondary School in 1929, followed by graduation from the Teachers' Training College in 1931. He then pursued a career teaching mathematics at secondary institutions located in Baghdad, Hilla, and Najaf.
Education
In 1933, Kubba was awarded a government scholarship to pursue studies abroad. After spending a year improving his English proficiency in Beirut, he obtained a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of California, Berkeley. During his time in California, he underwent surgery on his kidneys, resulting in him living with only one kidney thereafter.
Career (1940s-1950s)
Upon returning to Iraq in 1940, Kubba joined the Ministry of Economy where he founded its Statistics Section. Subsequently, he was promoted to assistant director and later became the first Iraqi to direct the Directorate of International Transfers within the Ministry of Finance. This department was integrated into the newly established Central Bank of Iraq in 1947, where Kubba was among the earliest staff members.
He acted as Iraq’s permanent delegate during negotiations with entities such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Sterling Pound Bloc, and the League of Arab Countries. His efforts were crucial in facilitating Iraq’s successful exit from the Sterling Bloc in 1958, which enhanced the international credibility of the Iraqi Dinar.
Career (1960s)
In 1960, Kubba was appointed Deputy Minister of Petroleum and played a key role in founding OPEC. Utilizing his extensive network developed over previous decades, he contributed significantly to formalizing this organization initiated by Iraq and initially comprising Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran, and Venezuela. He represented Iraq as its first OPEC delegate from 1960 until 1966 and participated in meetings held at OPEC headquarters in Switzerland and Vienna. In 1966, Kubba became the inaugural Iraqi to chair an OPEC conference.
He assumed office as Minister of Finance in February 1963. The following year, he led the board of directors for the Iraq National Oil Company, Iraq’s pioneering national oil corporation, dedicating considerable personal resources to its advancement.
Between 1965 and 1969, Kubba served as Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq. During this period, he represented Iraq at major financial institutions including World Bank and IMF assemblies. Additionally, he spearheaded fundraising campaigns for establishing the University of Kufa, successfully securing significant contributions from reputable businessmen and merchants.
Post-1969
In 1969, Kubba was dismissed from his official roles and compelled to leave Iraq. While living abroad, he provided consultancy services to various private enterprises. Under the previous regime’s rule, he endured persecution and was sentenced to death in absentia, remaining an exile against his will.
Death
Kubba passed away on March 10, 2005, two years after the collapse of the Iraqi government. His burial took place at his family cemetery in Najaf. Large mourning gatherings were organized by his relatives in Baghdad to honor his memory.