Sharif Ali bin al-Hussein was a prominent figure in the early 20th century, known for his role in the Arab nationalist movement. Born in 1882, he was a member of the Hashemite family, which claims descent from the Prophet Muhammad. He played a significant part in the Arab Revolt against Ottoman rule during World War I, advocating for Arab independence. After the war, Sharif Ali sought to establish a unified Arab state. He briefly served as the King of Iraq in 1921 but faced challenges in uniting the diverse populations of the region. His reign ended in 1924, and he spent much of his later life in exile.