Saddam Hussein

Saddam Hussein was the President of Iraq from 1979 until 2003. He was a controversial and authoritarian leader, known for his aggressive policies and brutal repression of opposition. Under his regime, Iraq fought a lengthy war with Iran from 1980 to 1988 and invaded Kuwait in 1990, leading to the Gulf War. Saddam's governance was marked by human rights abuses, including targeting ethnic minorities and political rivals. In 2003, a U.S.-led coalition invaded Iraq, leading to his removal from power. He was later captured, tried, and executed for crimes against humanity in 2006. His legacy remains deeply polarizing.