Present-day Iraq, known as Mesopotamia, was the centre for some of the oldest cultures of the world. The Empires of Sumeria, and Assyria (4000 BC-612 BC) were based in this region. Later on the region is part of Media, New Babylonia, Persia, Macedon, the Seleucidian Empire, Parthia and Persia (again, now under the Sassanides). During this last period the area is partially under control of the Roman Empire.

In 636 the Caliphate conquer Mesopotamia. When the Abassid dynasty rules from 759, the capital of the Caliphate is replaced to Bagdad. This caliphate is destroyed in 1258 by the Mongols. In 1534 Mesopotamia becomes part of the Ottoman Empire.

After World War I, the United Kingdom seizes the region and establishes in 1921 the Kingdom of Iraq under king Faysal I as a League of Nations mandate. When it becomes independent in 1932, the Hashemite family, which also rules Jordan, rules as a constitutional monarchy. In 1945 Iraq joins the United Nations and becomes a founding member of the Arab League. When the government of prime minister Rashid 'Ali of the Hizb al Ikha al Watani (National Brotherhood Party, HIW) becomes increasingly anti-British, Britian installs in 1941 a pro-British regime. Often Nuri Pasha as-Said of Ahd (Covenant Party) and later the al Ittihad al Dusturi (Constitutional Union Party, ID) is prime minister. In 1958 Iraq and Jordan form the Arab Union.

After a military coup d'état in 1958 the country is restyled into the Republic of Iraq. Abdul Karim Qasim takes power in this 1958 coup, during which king Faysal II and prime minister Nuri as-Said are killed. Qasim is assassinated in 1963, when the Hizb al Ba'ath al'Arabiyah al Ishtiraki (Iraqi Baath Socialist Arab Rebirth Party, Ba'ath) takes power under the leadership of Ahmad Hasan al-Bakr as prime minister and 'Abd al Salim Muhammad 'Arif as president. Nine months later, Arif leads a coup ousting the Ba'ath government. He becomes president on behalf of the nasserite Ittihad al-Ishtiraki al-Arabi (IIA). Arif is killed in a plane crash in 1966 and succeeded by his brother, 'Abd al Rahman Muhammad 'Arif. In 1968 a group of Ba'athists and military elements overthrow the IIA regime. Ahmad Hasan al-Bakr reemerges as president of Iraq and Chairman of the Revolutionary Command Council (RCC).

In 1979 Bakr resignes and his chosen successor, Saddam Husayn, assumes both offices. Husayn establishes a cruel dictatorship. In 1990 Iraq invades and annexes Kuwait. This leads to an American-led coalition and the liberation of Kuwait. A Kurdistan Regional Government under international protection, not recognized by Iraq, is formed in 1992. The United States and the United Kingdom invade Iraq in 2003 and expel the dictatorial regime. This leads to an instable state in transition, in which both Kurdish governments join the Iraqi transition government.

The new constitution provides for a Majlis Watani (National Assembly), to be elected no later than January 2005. In the meantime, a transitional government will be formed, taking consultation from various sectors of Iraqi society, and the United Nations. The new constitution provides for a Majlis Watani (National Assembly), to be elected no later than January 2005. In the meantime, a transitional government is formed, taking consultation from various sectors of Iraqi society and the United Nations. The assembly will elect the President who along with two deputies will form a "Presidency Council" to "represent the sovereignty of Iraq and oversee the higher affairs of the country." The Presidency Council appoints the prime minister of Iraq and his government, all who must be approved by the assembly. In 2004 the United States-led coalition hands authority over Iraq to the country's interim government. Ghazi Mashal Ajil al-Yawer becomes president of Iraq and Iyad Allawi of the Iraqi National Accord becomes prime minister.

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