Faisal I of Iraq vs Salote Tupou III

Faisal, as a key leader of the Arab Revolt, commanded Arab forces alongside British officer T.E. Lawrence. The revolt aimed to overthrow Ottoman rule in the Arab provinces. It succeeded in capturing Damascus in 1918, contributing to the Allied victory in World War I.

In March 1920, Faisal was proclaimed King of Syria by the Syrian National Congress. However, the French Mandate authorities rejected this and invaded Syria in July 1920, defeating Faisal's forces at the Battle of Maysalun and forcing him into exile.

After the Cairo Conference of 1921, the British installed Faisal as King of Iraq under a mandate. He was crowned on August 23, 1921. His reign focused on building a modern state, integrating diverse ethnic and religious groups, and managing British influence.

Faisal signed the Anglo-Iraqi Treaty in 1930, which granted Iraq independence while maintaining British military bases and influence. The treaty paved the way for Iraq's admission to the League of Nations in 1932 as a sovereign state.

Salote Tupou III became Queen of Tonga on 5 April 1918, following the death of her father King George Tupou II. She was the first queen regnant of Tonga and reigned for 47 years.

Salote Tupou III oversaw the expansion of education and healthcare in Tonga. She established schools, improved public health infrastructure, and promoted literacy, significantly raising living standards in the kingdom.

During World War II, Salote Tupou III kept Tonga neutral while allowing Allied forces to use Tongan territory. She also contributed troops and resources to the Allied war effort, strengthening Tonga's relationship with Western powers.

Salote Tupou III attended the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in London in 1953. Her open carriage ride in the rain, smiling and waving, won her widespread admiration and made her a beloved figure internationally.