The podcast discusses Saddam Hussein's determination not to be defeated, the impact of sanctions on Iraq, Saddam Hussein's excessive building of palaces and monuments, his religious manipulation of the population, the personality cult surrounding him, and his venture into writing novels amidst ongoing feuds and bombing raids.
The First Gulf War was a coalition-led effort to oppose Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait, resulting in a resounding victory but devastating aftermath for Iraq.
Saddam Hussein's extravagant spending on palaces and indulgences exacerbated the suffering of the Iraqi people amidst growing opposition and international condemnation.
Deep dives
The Gulf War: The Invasion of Kuwait
In 1991, President George H.W. Bush leads a coalition of countries to oppose Saddam Hussein, who had invaded Kuwait. The conflict, deemed one-sided by some, results in a heavy bombing campaign followed by a ground offensive. The coalition achieves a resounding victory, but the aftermath brings destruction and suffering to Iraq.
Saddam's Personality Cult and Succession Crisis
Saddam Hussein builds a personality cult and sees himself as an essential and invincible figure. The defection of his sons-in-law, Uday and Qusay, sparks a succession crisis and reveals deep-seated rivalries within Saddam's family. The Kamal brothers, along with their wives, flee to Jordan seeking asylum, but Saddam manipulates their return and ultimately has them killed.
Saddam's Deteriorating Regime
As the years pass, Saddam Hussein faces growing opposition and international condemnation. Economic sanctions cripple Iraq's economy, causing a collapse in the currency and an increase in crime. Saddam turns to religion as a tool to maintain control, enforcing strict religious practices. Meanwhile, his extravagant spending on palaces and indulgences further exacerbates the suffering of the Iraqi people.
Saddam's Writing and International Pressure
Amidst mounting international pressure and ongoing conflicts with the United States, Saddam Hussein explores a new outlet for self-expression: writing. He publishes several novels, including a love story set in the early years of Islam. However, the world sees Saddam as both a significant threat and a source of amusement, with his image even appearing in cartoons and pop culture references.
After Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, US forces are deployed to the region. For some Iraqis, it seems like the perfect time to rise up against their dictator. As economic sanctions bite, Saddam treats himself to a bit of retail therapy. All the while, his sons are becoming terrifying figures in their own right. A family crisis is about to snowball into a murderous feud…
A Noiser production, written by Duncan Barrett.
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