MCQ Detailed View

The first country to withdraw from the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) was Iraq. CENTO, originally called the Baghdad Pact, was established in 1955 as a military alliance between Middle Eastern and Western countries to counter the influence of the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

The original members of CENTO were Iraq, Turkey, Pakistan, Iran, and the United Kingdom, with the United States participating indirectly. The alliance was aimed at maintaining regional security and preventing communist expansion into the Middle East and South Asia.

In 1958, following a revolution in Iraq that overthrew the monarchy and brought in a republican government, Iraq decided to withdraw from the Baghdad Pact. This was a significant blow to the organization because Iraq had been one of its founding members and hosted its headquarters in Baghdad. After Iraq’s exit, the headquarters was shifted to Ankara, Turkey, and the pact was renamed CENTO.

However, CENTO gradually lost its strength and credibility, and it was formally dissolved in 1979 after Iran’s withdrawal following the Islamic Revolution.

Key Facts about CENTO:

• Established: 1955 as the Baghdad Pact


• Founding Members: Iraq, Turkey, Pakistan, Iran, and the UK


• First Withdrawal: Iraq in 1958 after the revolution


• Headquarters: Originally in Baghdad, later moved to Ankara


• Main Objective: To counter Soviet influence during the Cold War


• Dissolved: 1979 after Iran left following the Islamic Revolution

Therefore, the correct answer is Iraq.