How to Pronounce Fuad Masum

Meaning and Context

Fuad Masum, born Muhammad Fuad Masum in 1938, is a distinguished Iraqi Kurdish politician and statesman who served as the seventh President of the Republic of Iraq from July 24, 2014, until October 2, 2018. His presidency, a largely ceremonial but symbolically vital role, spanned a critical period in modern Iraqi history marked by the war against the Islamic State (ISIS), profound sectarian tensions, and ongoing political fragmentation. A founding member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), Masum's long career is deeply rooted in Kurdish politics and the broader Iraqi governance framework, having previously held positions as the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government and as a speaker of the Iraqi Council of Representatives. His election as president, following his predecessor Jalal Talabani, underscored a tradition of Kurdish occupancy of the position and was seen as a consensus figure who promoted national unity and dialogue amid severe crises. His tenure is often analyzed within the context of Iraqi federalism, the Erbil-Baghdad relationship, and the complex political dynamics of post-invasion Iraq.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The standard and correct Romanized spelling is Fuad Masum. However, several variations and common errors occur due to transliteration from Arabic and Kurdish. The most frequent alternate spelling is Fuad Masoum, with an 'o' added, which attempts to reflect the long vowel sound in the Arabic pronunciation of his surname (مَعْصُوم). Another common variant is Fouad Masum or Fouad Masoum, using 'Fouad' instead of 'Fuad', both being acceptable transliterations of the Arabic name فؤاد. Common typos include misspellings like "Fuad Masam," "Faud Masum," or "Fuad Massum." It is also important to note his full birth name is Muhammad Fuad Masum, though he is universally known by his middle name. When searching or writing, using the correct diacritical marks (Fuʿād Maʿṣūm) is academically precise but uncommon in general usage.

Example Sentences

Following the 2014 parliamentary elections, Fuad Masum was elected president, becoming a unifying figure during Iraq's security crisis.

Analysts noted that President Masum's deep experience in both Kurdish and federal Iraqi politics was crucial for mediating disputes between Erbil and Baghdad.

During his term from 2014 to 2018, Masum worked to uphold the Iraqi constitution while the country fought a devastating war against ISIS.

In his farewell address, Masum emphasized the importance of national reconciliation and preserving Iraq's democratic process.

Many remember Fuad Masum's presidency as a period of steadfast leadership amid one of the nation's most challenging chapters.

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