Fawzi al-Selu

He studied at the Military Academy of Homs . When Syria became fully independent in 1946, he became director of the academy. In 1948, he participated in the Arab-Israeli war , where he became close to the head of staff, Husni al-Zaim . When Zaim came to power in a coup d'état in March 1949, he appointed Selu as a military attache in the Syrian-Israeli peace talks. As a result, Fawzi became the chief architect of the ceasefire agreement, which was signed in July 1949. Sela has demonstrated willingness to seek a comprehensive peace settlement with Israel, including a final agreement on borders, a treaty on Palestinian refugees, and the creation of a Syrian embassy in Tel Aviv . However, Zaim was overthrown and killed, and power in the republic came under the leadership of the administration of the nationalist Hashim al-Attasi . Atassi upheld the armistice agreement, but refused to consider peace with Israel. Later, Sela met Adib al-Shishakli , who appointed him Minister of Defense.

As President

Shishakli made a coup in November 1951, but could not convince the popular Atassi to remain as president, who resigned in protest. As a result, Shishakli appointed Sela as president, prime minister and chief of staff, retaining real power, remaining in the less public position of deputy chief of staff. They created a police state where the opposition was suppressed. Under the leadership of Shishakli, Selu took steps to improve relations with Jordan, opening the first Syrian embassy in Amman and began a friendship with King Talal . He also sought to improve relations with Lebanon, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

After retirement

On July 11, 1953, Shishakli dismissed Sela and appointed himself president. Sela fled to Saudi Arabia and became an adviser to King Saud and then his brother King Faisal . When Shishakli was overthrown in February 1954, a military court in Damascus accused Sela of corruption, abuse of office and illegal amendment of the constitution. He was sentenced to death in absentia.