Saddam Hussein by Steven Wong

Saddam Hussein

by Steven Wong

Saddam Hussein, born on April 28, 1937, was the fifth President of Iraq. He rose to power through maintaining authority over several oil reserves giving power to the Sunni Muslims in Iraq. Hussein officially served as president from 1979 to 2003 in the Arab Socialist Ba'ath which staged a coup and took over Iraq.  He is widely known for his suppressive rule especially against the Shi'a and Kurdish movements and opposition to Israel, Iranians and Americans in the Iraq-Iran/Gulf Wars. In 2003, after nearly 25 years in office, the United States and United Kingdom invaded Iraq removing Husein from power. He was accused of possession of WMDs and killing of 148 Shi'as in 1982. Saddam Hussein was executed by hanging on December 30, 2006.