Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr vs Hasso von Manteuffel

Al-Bakr, a senior Ba'athist officer, helped plan and execute the coup that overthrew Qasim. He became Prime Minister briefly but was forced out by President Arif later that year, marking an early setback for the Ba'ath Party.

Al-Bakr led a bloodless coup that brought the Ba'ath Party back to power. He became President and Chairman of the Revolutionary Command Council, establishing a regime that would rule Iraq for decades. Saddam Hussein was his deputy.

Al-Bakr's government fully nationalized the Iraq Petroleum Company, ending foreign control of the country's oil industry. This move dramatically increased state revenue and funded development projects, but also led to Western sanctions.

Al-Bakr was forced to resign as President, ostensibly for health reasons, and was succeeded by Saddam Hussein. He was placed under house arrest until his death in 1982. The transition consolidated Saddam's absolute power.

Manteuffel commanded a battle group in the German offensive at the Kasserine Pass in Tunisia. His forces advanced against inexperienced US troops, achieving a tactical victory before being halted by Allied reinforcements.

Manteuffel was appointed commander of the 7th Panzer Division on the Eastern Front. He led the division in defensive battles in Romania and Hungary, including the retreat through the Carpathian Mountains.

Manteuffel commanded the 5th Panzer Army during the Battle of the Bulge. His army led the main offensive in the Ardennes, achieving initial breakthroughs before being halted by Allied resistance and supply shortages.

Manteuffel was appointed commander of the 3rd Panzer Army on the Eastern Front. He led the army in the defense of Pomerania and the Oder River line against the Soviet Vistula-Oder Offensive, eventually surrendering to British forces.