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Saddam's Harsh Childhood
- Saddam Hussein endured a harsh childhood with an abusive stepfather who forced him to sell watermelons instead of attending school.
- He escaped to live with his uncle who educated him and inspired his nationalist and anti-imperialist views.
Failed Assassination Attempt
- Saddam led a failed assassination attempt against Abd al-Karim Qasim in 1959, getting injured himself.
- This failure forced him underground and into exile, marking a turning point in his political career.
Imprisonment Built Saddam's Power
- Saddam was imprisoned from 1964 to 1966 but used this time to deepen his Bath Party involvement and build key political bonds.
- His prison break helped him capitalize on alliances and rise in power swiftly.