Husni al-Zaim

ModernGeneralSyria1897 — 1949

Syrian military officer who led the first coup.

Compare Husni al-Zaim with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

1897

Died

1949

Country

Syria

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)10

Political (20%)31

Influence (20%)49

Legacy (20%)40

Leadership (15%)35

Strategy (15%)25

Total Score35.6

Husni al-Zaim — Complete Timeline

1949 AD

Led the 1949 Syrian coup d'étatPolitical Action

Husni al-Zaim led the first military coup in Syria's history on March 30, 1949, overthrowing President Shukri al-Quwatli. He seized power with support from the military and intelligence services, establishing a short-lived dictatorship.

CoupMilitaryDictatorship

Impact: nationaldestructive

Became President of SyriaPolitical Action◆ Major

After the coup, al-Zaim appointed himself President of Syria and Prime Minister. He implemented reforms including land redistribution and women's suffrage, but his rule was marked by authoritarian measures and suppression of political opponents.

PresidencyReformAuthoritarianism

Impact: national

Recognized Israel and negotiated armisticePolitical Action◆ Major

Al-Zaim's government signed an armistice agreement with Israel in July 1949, ending the 1948 Arab-Israeli War for Syria. He also proposed a peace plan that included resettling Palestinian refugees, which was rejected by other Arab states.

IsraelArmisticePeace Plan

Impact: regional

Overthrown and executed in a counter-coupPolitical Action◆ Major

Husni al-Zaim was overthrown by a counter-coup led by Colonel Sami al-Hinnawi on August 14, 1949. He was captured and executed by firing squad the same day, ending his rule after only four and a half months.

Counter-coupExecutionOverthrow

Impact: nationaltragic