10 Facts About Fawzi Selu

Fawzi Selu was a Syrian military leader, politician and the President of Syria from December 3,1951, to July 11,1953.

Fawzi Selu studied at the Homs Military Academy and joined the French-sponsored Troupe Speciales that was created when France imposed its League of Nations mandate on Syria in July 1920.

Fawzi Selu had a successful military career, and when Syria became fully independent in 1946, he became the director of the academy.

Fawzi Selu was given a command in the 1948 Arab-Israeli War where he became close to chief of staff Husni al-Za'im.

Fawzi Selu, supported by Za'im, demonstrated a willingness to pursue a comprehensive peace settlement with Israel, including a final border agreement, Palestinian refugees, and the establishment of a Syrian embassy in Tel Aviv.

Fawzi Selu then allied himself with military strongman general Adib al-Shishakli, who contrived to have Fawzi Selu appointed minister of defense in three cabinets under president Atassi.

Under the direction of Shishakli, Fawzi Selu improved relations with Jordan, opening the first Syrian embassy in Amman and befriending King Talal.

Fawzi Selu sought better relations with Lebanon, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

On July 11,1953, Shishakli finally dispensed Fawzi Selu and appointed himself as president.

Fawzi Selu fled to Saudi Arabia and became an advisor to King Saud and then his brother King Faisal.