Empire 124. Saddam Hussein vs The Ayatollah
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Feb 20, 2024 Dive into the harrowing depths of the Iran-Iraq War, where brutal trench warfare and devastating chemical attacks unfolded over eight long years. Discover how Saddam Hussein twisted ancient Babylonian heritage to legitimize his regime. Personal stories reveal the psychological scars on Iranian society, while the resilience of Iranian forces contrasts with Iraq's oppressive politics. Explore the geopolitical chessboard that shaped this conflict, and uncover the dark legacy of warfare that still resonates today.
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Dalrymple's Iran Experience
- William Dalrymple visited Iran mid-war and saw pictures of martyrs everywhere.
- He even witnessed an air raid in Isfahan and saw piles of spectacles from victims in Tabriz.
Iraqi Miscalculation
- The Iraqi invasion was partly based on Iran's perceived weakness after the revolution.
- Many Iranian Air Force officers, trained by the US and UK, had been imprisoned, leading Iraq to believe they had an advantage.
Saddam and the Ba'ath Party
- Saddam Hussein, born in Tikrit in 1937, rose through the Ba'ath Party.
- This secular, Arab nationalist party shaped his ideology and rule.
