In March 1949, the al-Quwatli government was overthrown by a military coup led by military Chief of Staff Husni al-Zaim. Al-Barazi was the only one of al-Quwatli's associates who retained his position, becoming al-Zaim's closest advisor. In July 1949, al-Zaim appointed al-Barazi as the new prime minister. Al-Barazi used his extensive connections with Arab leaders in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt and Lebanon to garner support for the al-Zaim regime.