In today’s era, where old political faces are going viral on TikTok and social media, one name is again in the news – Saddam Hussein. Some people remember him as a cruel dictator, while for some, he remains a symbol of anti-American struggle. Let’s know some untold aspects of his life.
Journey From Poverty To Politics
Saddam Hussein was born on 28 April 1937 in a small village in Iraq. His father died before his birth, due to which his uncle named him Saddam, which means “fighter“. This name became a mirror of his life.
Childhood was spent in poverty and struggle. Tired of the atrocities of his stepfather, he ran away from home at the age of only ten. His uncle Khairullah sheltered him and got him educated. This is where the change in his life started.
Entry into politics and the path to power
Saddam entered politics after coming to Baghdad. In 1957, he joined the Ba’ath Party. In 1959, he attempted to assassinate the then Prime Minister Abdul Karim Qasim, but he failed and was also shot in this incident. After this, he fled to Syria and then Egypt.
When the Ba’ath Party took power in 1968, Saddam played an important role in Iraq’s politics. He gradually strengthened his position and declared himself the President of the country in 1979. As soon as he took power, he started eliminating his opponents and establishing his terror.
Contribution to the development of Iraq
Saddam Hussein took many important steps for the development of Iraq:
- 🌾 Nationalisation of the oil industry: In 1972, he nationalised the Iraqi oil industry, which increased the country’s income.
- 🎓 Education system: Made education free and compulsory. In 1978, Iraq received the UNESCO Award for Progress in Education 13.
- 👩 Women’s Rights: Increased opportunities for women in education and the workplace, gave them the right to vote13.
- 🏥 Health facilities: Made arrangements for free treatment in hospitals and extended electricity to rural areas13.
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Period of war and conflict
In 1980, the war between Iraq and Iran started, which lasted for eight years. Millions of people died on both sides in this war. Saddam got the support of Western countries and America, because they did not want to see the Islamic revolution of Iran spread13.
In 1990, Saddam attacked Kuwait. It is said that US Ambassador April Glaspie had indicated to him that America should not interfere in this matter, but later America started military action against Iraq13. Iraq suffered heavy destruction in this war, and many sanctions were imposed on it.
End of power and death
In 2003, the US invaded Iraq and claimed that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction. This claim was later proven wrong. Saddam was arrested in December 2003 and was tried for crimes against humanity.
He was hanged on 30 December 2006. His last moments made him much bigger than a controversial figure. Even at the time of death, he showed his courage and bravery14.
Why is Saddam going viral today?
In today’s era, Saddam Hussein’s videos and his speeches are going viral on social media. There are many reasons for this:
US Anti-American sentiment: Anti-American sentiment has increased in many parts of the world; in such a situation, Saddam has become a symbol.
📱 Historical interest among youth: The new generation is interested in knowing the untold aspects of history.
⚖️ Western double standards: Many believe that Saddam was not treated fairly and that the West used him as a scapegoat for its own interests11.
Saddam Hussein was a complex personality. While he worked for the development of Iraq, he ruthlessly crushed his opponents. Today, he leaves behind a controversial legacy – a ruthless dictator for some, a soldier fighting against colonial oppression for others13.
His story teaches us that history is not always written in black and white but in many shades of grey. In today’s digital world, his legacy is again in the news, and perhaps this is the cycle of history – where every aspect is revisited and examined.
How do you think Saddam Hussein should be remembered in history? Do share your thoughts in the comments.
My name is Farhad Dawar and I am graduate of the Institute of Media and Communication Studies Bahaddin Zakariya University Multan Pakistan. I’m passionate about journalism and media, and I believe in journalism of courage, uncovering the truth, and shaping the future.
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
