Bahij al-Khatib

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Bahij al-Khatib (1895–1981) was a Syrian political figure who served as Head of State from July 8, 1939, to April 4, 1941. Born in Shheem in the Chouf region (then part of the Ottoman Empire, now in Lebanon), he studied at the Syria Protestant College and worked as an oil merchant in Beirut before entering politics. After France established its mandate over Syria and Lebanon in 1920, he joined the civil service in Damascus and rose to become Director of Police and Public Security, leading campaigns against nationalist leaders.

Al-Khatib was appointed head of state by the French authorities after Hashim al-Atassi resigned in protest over French rule. He was unpopular because of his loyalty to the French administration and opposition to full independence. In 1941, French President Charles de Gaulle asked him to resign, ending his term as head of state.

He later served twice as Minister of Interior and was Governor of Damascus in 1943. After the Ba'ath Party came to power in Syria, he left for Lebanon. Bahij al-Khatib died in 1981.