Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr vs Rodion Malinovsky

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.

Malinovsky served as a division commander during the Battle of Khalkhin Gol against Japan. The Soviet victory secured the eastern border and influenced Japan's decision not to attack the USSR in 1941.

Malinovsky commanded the 2nd Guards Army during the Battle of Stalingrad. His forces played a key role in repelling the German relief attempt by Army Group Don, securing the encirclement of the 6th Army.

Malinovsky commanded the 2nd Ukrainian Front in the Jassy

Malinovsky was appointed Minister of Defense of the USSR by Khrushchev. He oversaw the Soviet military during the Cold War, including the Cuban Missile Crisis and the buildup of nuclear forces.