Understanding the Different Perspectives on Saddam Hussein

The Bush administration communicated with Saddam Hussein through George W. Bush and Don Rumsfeld, who had historical ties to Saddam. Saddam Hussein was viewed as a strong and intelligent man with different values from the United States, having committed brutal acts including leading to the death of hundreds of thousands. Legal proceedings against him began in July 2004 under an Iraqi special tribunal that was set up at the direction of Rumsfeld. Saddam was denied status as a prisoner of war as a defiance to the International Criminal Court.