Real Dictators Saddam Hussein Part 3: Oil and the Ayatollah
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Nov 29, 2023 Saddam Hussein's nationalization of the Iraq Petroleum Company, clash with Iran's new leader, and the heinous atrocities committed by 'Chemical Ali'. Plus, the establishment of Saddam's personality cult and his readiness for war. Saddam Hussein's paranoia and control, religious persecution, and escape from Iraq. Tactics of fear and assassination, dedication to national development, and post-war financial struggles. The unintended green light from the US ambassador leading to the invasion of Kuwait.
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Saddam's Chef Faces Paranoia
- Saddam's chef Abu Ali faced paranoia and was once arrested due to rumored poisoning suspicions.
- Saddam played pranks with spicy food and tested loyalty by how guests reacted to his cooking.
Saddam's Family Man Persona
- Saddam cultivated a family man image to the public while enforcing devotion through distributing gifts daily.
- This personal touch reinforced his personality cult and framed him as the father of the nation.
Saddam's Cult of Personality
- Saddam lectured on trivial subjects on TV, portraying himself as a supreme expert on all topics.
- His cult of personality even elevated him mentally to near-divine status among loyal Iraqis.