After the failure of the Rashidun Caliphate against the Byzantines, the Arab Sheikhs elected a new Caliph, Uthman, from the Ummayad family in 650 AD. He promised new strength for the Arab people, but in fact he was but a puppet for the Sheikhs who had elected him. After three years he was assassinated and replaced by his son, Al Wahdiq in 653 AD.